Diffuse oral peripheral giant cel granuloma

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article is to present and discuss the management of a widespread case of peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) in a 21 -year -old female patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 21 -year -old woman with an insignificant past history was referred to the Department of the authors for the management of exophytic lesions of the mucosa located in the gingiva of the maxilla and in the region of the hard palate. DISCUSSION Peripheral giant cell granuloma is considered a reactive hyperplastic gingival lesion caused by local irritation or trauma. It often presents as a red or red-blue nodular mass on the gingiva or edentulous alveolar mucosa. It is an occasional lesion of the oral cavity, originating from the interdental tissues (periosteum or periodontal membrane) following local irritation or chronic trauma, in particular from subgingival plaque and tartar. The peak incidence in males is in the second decade compared to the fifth decade for females. Additionally, PGCG lesions are up to twice as common in the mandible as compared to the maxilla. Lesions can occur anywhere on the gingival or alveolar mucosa in den tate or edentulous patients, but most occur anterior to the molars. However, in dentate areas the lesions usually arise in the interdental papilla, although they may be found in the edentulous alveolar margin at the marginal gingival level. CONCLUSIONS This case shows the importance of early diagnosis to avoid the progressive spread or increase in size of PGCG, as in the patient described, and to prevent the need for extensive surgery.