Giant cell pulisK06.8

In contrast to the giant cell tumour of the bone (peak of age between 20 and 50 years), which is to be regarded as a true neoplasia [Barnes et al., 2005], the peripheral giant cell granuloma is today predominantly understood as a lesion that is not neoplastic, but rather as a traumatically irritant lesion. [Neville et al. 2002].

Peripheral giant cell granulomas can occur at any age, but there is a certain accumulation around the 5th-6th decade of life.

Broad-based, pea-sized to cherry-sized, bright red to blue-red, occasionally centrally eroded or ulcerated, slightly bleeding, polypose tumour with rapid growth. Spread to the periosteum and possible resorption of the alveolar bone may occur. No significant pain.

The endosseous correlate to the giant cell pulposus is called enulis.

Mostly unspecific granulation tumor with a dense cellular stroma with characteristic multinucleated giant cells. Abundant hemosiderin deposits.

The therapy of choice is local excision, whereby removal in edentulous jaw sections is generally completely unproblematic. In the area of the periodontium, supplementary curettage is recommended as a primary measure, whereby a recurrence rate of 10% must be expected even with careful removal.

1. Barnes L et al (2005) Pathology and genetics of Tumours of the Head and neck, IACR Press, Lyon.
2. Bataineh A et al (2005) A Survey of Localized Lesions of Oral Tissues: A Clinicopathological Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 3: 30-39.
3. Neville BW et al (2002) Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology, 2nd ed., W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia.