Treatment of mandibular cherubism

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Genetics
• Pediatric Dentistry

Background:

• Cherubism is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive, bilateral, symmetrical fibro-osseous enlargement of the jaws.
• Typically, cherubism manifests in early childhood, with facial deformity becoming apparent between ages 2 and 7 years.
• Atypical presentations, including delayed onset after puberty, are infrequently documented.

Observation:

• A case of cherubism with an atypical history is presented, notably with facial deformity onset delayed until after puberty.
• The patient's fibro-osseous lesions were in a relatively inactive stage following a period of significant growth.
• Distinct facial deformities were observed, necessitating intervention.

Findings:

• Surgical treatment combining curettage and recontouring was performed on the fibro-osseous lesions of the mandible.
• The intervention resulted in a significant improvement in the patient's facial appearance.
• The surgical procedures successfully eliminated the fibro-osseous lesions within the mandible.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering atypical presentations of cherubism, even in late adolescence or adulthood.
• The findings support surgical management as an effective treatment for improving both aesthetics and pathology in delayed-onset cherubism.
• Further research into the genetic and clinical variability of cherubism may aid in earlier diagnosis and management of unusual cases.