Cherubism: a radiological and clinical presentation

Cherubism is the hereditary form of the fibrous dysplasia of the jaws, but it may be seen sporadically as well. The disease has a self-limited nature and is rarely apparent before the age of two. There is no need to interfere surgically with these lesions of the mandible or the maxilla unless the child is severely affected, i.e. the disease deteriorates respiration, deglutition, vision, or the psychiatric makeup of the child due to cosmetic reasons. The clinical presentation and radiological evaluation of these children are so typical that the pediatrician and pediatric otolaryngologist need to be informed about this rarely seen disease. A case of a cherubic child, with his clinical appearance as well as his radiological evaluation, and discussion about the clinical outcome are presented.