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What is a Central Giant Cell Granuloma?
A central giant cell granuloma is a type of bone lesion that appears along the jaw. It is a noncancerous condition that is usually painless, but irritation and open lesions in the mouth can lead to an infection and uncomfortable swelling. Doctors do not fully understand what causes these lesions to appear, but trauma to the jaw from direct injuries and surgical procedures often precede lesions. Granulomas that become problematic are usually treated with a combination of medications and surgery.
In most cases, a central giant cell granuloma arises along the lower jaw. The condition is most commonly seen in female patients under the age of 30, but doctors do not know why young women are more susceptible than other patients. A lesion begins deep within the mandible in bone marrow tissue and can erupt through the bone and surrounding cartilage and skin within about one month. A black or dark-purple sore can be seen along the very bottom of the lower gums as a central giant cell granuloma develops and ruptures blood vessels. A similar, much more common lesion called a peripheral giant cell granuloma can develop closer to the teeth on the lower gums or elsewhere in the mouth.
Aside from the physical appearance of the mouth lesion, a central giant cell granuloma is unlikely to cause adverse symptoms. Some patients report tenderness in the jaw and fatigue after eating or speaking. If a mouth sore opens, it becomes susceptible to infections that can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the mouth.
A dentist can usually diagnose a central giant cell granuloma by evaluating the physical appearance of the ulcer. He or she usually asks about any recent trauma to the jaw, previous dental work, and the patient's current dental hygiene regimen to rule out other possible causes. X-rays are taken to check for signs of jaw damage, and a small tissue sample may be collected from the lesion to make sure it is not a cancerous tumor.
The primary treatment for a central giant cell granuloma is surgery. A maxillofacial surgeon can use a specialized type of scalpel to cut out the visible mouth lesion and damaged interior jaw tissue. Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications are either injected or given orally to help relieve swelling and pain while the mouth heals. Antibiotics may also be given in the case of infection. With surgical care, most patients experience full recoveries and to not have recurring jaw or mouth problems.
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![A central giant cell granuloma is a type of bone lesion that appears along the jaw.]()
By: chuugoA central giant cell granuloma is a type of bone lesion that appears along the jaw. -
![Oral surgery or traumatic injury to the area often precedes the development of a central giant cell granuloma.]()
By: Vladimir MelnikOral surgery or traumatic injury to the area often precedes the development of a central giant cell granuloma. -
![A surgeon may use a specialized type of scalpel to cut out mouth lesions and damaged interior jaw tissue during treatment for a central giant cell granuloma.]()
By: tinxA surgeon may use a specialized type of scalpel to cut out mouth lesions and damaged interior jaw tissue during treatment for a central giant cell granuloma. -
![Dental X-rays can detect jaw damage when used to diagnose central giant cell granuloma.]()
By: Andrey ArmyagovDental X-rays can detect jaw damage when used to diagnose central giant cell granuloma. -
![A dentist may need to know about the patient's regular dental hygiene regimen in order to rule out other causes of symptoms.]()
By: GVictoriaA dentist may need to know about the patient's regular dental hygiene regimen in order to rule out other causes of symptoms. -
![Antibiotics may be prescribed in the case of infection associated with a central giant cell granuloma.]()
By: brankatekicAntibiotics may be prescribed in the case of infection associated with a central giant cell granuloma. -
![If a mouth sore opens, it becomes susceptible to infection.]()
By: LoloStockIf a mouth sore opens, it becomes susceptible to infection.
Discussion Comments
I developed more than one of these ulcers in my mouth. At first I just thought they were canker sores, and would eventually go away.
When this didn't happen, I decided I needed to find out what they were. They weren't painful, but I did notice that my jaw was tender after I did a lot of chewing.
They took some x-rays and took some tissue to send in to get checked. Everything came back OK and I also had these removed by surgery.
I still can't figure out where these came from. I don't remember any kind of trauma to my jaw so don't know what I can do to prevent them.
My husband teases me and says I got them because I talk too much! If that is the case, I probably will develop them again.
I noticed a lesion and some swelling in my lower jaw and didn't know what it was. My first thought was it was something like cancer.
I was told this was a central giant cell granuloma. My dentist was quick to point out that even though the name sounded bad, it was not cancer and would be fairly easy to treat.
We figured out this developed after I was hit in the jaw with a softball. Of course my jaw was sore right after this happened, but the lesion did not appear for several weeks.
He went ahead and removed this lesion, and I haven't had any problems since. I am glad it was easy to fix and wasn't something serious like I thought it was going to be.
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