"Giant Cell Tumors" of the Mandible and Facial Bones

Abstract

BONE TUMORS of the mandible, maxilla, and facial bones are relatively uncommon and their histologic characteristics not infrequently result in confusion and indecision with respect to diagnoses. If the particular tumor happens to contain large numbers of multinucleate giant cells, the diagnostic enigma is compounded. Over the years, the tendency has been to loosely apply the term "giant cell tumor" to any or all of these lesions, despite the fact that the majority of them are not true giant cell tumors, and to consider them as such can result in serious consequences. A series of 14 such cases seen over the past several years hopefully will emphasize various differential diagnostic aspects and exemplify certain pitfalls in dealing with these tumors. Report of Cases Case 1.—A 12-year-old white girl presented in early 1951 with a lump on her jaw of two months' duration. She had fallen off a bicycle four years