Peripheral and central giant cell lesions: etiology, origin of giant cells, diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The peripheral and central giant cell lesions (PGCL and CGCL) are a group of pathological entities with similar histopathological features and whose origin has not been fully elucidated. The former is reactive and the latter exhibits a nonneoplastic proliferative behavior. This article aims to review the literature on peripheral giant cell lesions (PGCL) and central giant cell lesions (CGCL) by discussing the most important aspects pertaining to each of them. Results: These lesions are found in different locations and show diverse clinical signs despite having the same histopathological features. The treatment consists in the surgical resection by different techniques depending on the type of the lesion and clinical conditions. In the case of CGCL, drug therapy may also be employed. Conclusion: Although there is no consensus in the literature, it is essential to know the etiology of these lesions as well as the exact origin of the giant cells. Due to their singular biological behavior, it is of utmost importance to establish a differential diagnosis between the two lesions and other processes that have similar clinical, radiological and histological characteristics, inasmuch as this procedure is essential to provide a suitable treatment and establish a prognosis.

Radiological features of Central Giant Cell Granuloma: Comparative study of 7 case reports and literature review

“…Histologically, PGCG and CGCG both are similar. However, they differ in terms of aggressiveness as CGCG are more aggressive and higher recurrence tendency than PGCG [6,8,9].…”

“…The skull adjacent to the lesion was destructed and thinning of thickness present, but was not perforated. [6,7,8,9]. These two different groups of pathological entities of giant cell granuloma has similar histological features but pathogeneses of both are still not clear.…”

“…But most cases are seen between 20 to 40 years of age [1,5]. Females are affected slightly more than males, the reason for this is thought to be because of hormonal factors despite the fact that lesions rarely express estrogen receptors [6,10].…”

Giant Cell Reparative Granuloma Presenting as Cheek Swelling: Case Series of Four Patients

“…involving the gingiva and alveolar mucosa; and the central type which causes lytic destruction at the intraosseous level [4]. Although GCRG is described as a lytic lesion, the cortex usually remains intact.…”

An unusual presentation of aggressive central giant cell granuloma

“…[1] CGCG rarely occurs in areas elsewhere other than the jaws, like maxillary sinus, temporal bone, cranial vault and other bones of the craniofacial complex. [2] It was thought that CGCG is a reparative lesion as it develops in response to intrabony hemorrhage and inflammation secondary to trauma. However, it can be considered as an aggressive lesion because of its aggressive behavior as seen in the present case.…”