Treatment of giant cell granuloma of the maxilla with intralesional injection of steroids.

BACKGROUND

Giant cell granuloma is rare in the head and neck region and most commonly affects the maxilla and mandible. Although it is a benign disease process, it may be locally destructive. Surgery is the treatment currently recommended. Because of the location of the disease, surgery may be disfiguring. Because it is a benign process, less radical nonsurgical treatment alternatives are desirable.

METHODS

A case report of a giant cell granuloma treated with steroid injections.

RESULTS

After six weekly intralesional steroid injections, a giant cell granuloma of the maxilla became calcified and smaller. After a follow-up period of 2 years, there was no evidence of regrowth, and the bony osteolytic lesion had filled with bone. A review of the literature revealed two case reports of successful steroid injections with similar response.

CONCLUSIONS

Steroid injections are a viable alternative in the treatment of giant cell granuloma, which may avoid surgery.