Primary hyperparathyroidism presenting as a giant-cell epulis.

The case of a giant-cell epulis as an initial feature of primary hyperparathyroidism is presented. A 58-year-old woman appeared for dental treatment with a buccal alveolar swelling that was confirmed by means of biopsies to be a multinucleated giant-cell lesion. High calcium levels warranted investigation for a parathyroid adenoma, which was located in an ectopic position and surgically removed. This case delineates the importance of referring patients with oral lesions of doubtful cause to specialists for further diagnostic workup.