Central giant cell granuloma of the jaws: a clinico-radiological study.

There is disagreement in the literature about the radiological appearance of the central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) of the jaws. A review of 26 cases of CGCG was undertaken with the aim of resolving this. CGCG were found over a wide age range but most occurred in the 2nd and 3rd decades. Females were more frequently affected. Radiologically CGCG were most commonly seen as round or ovoid, unilocular, well defined but non-corticated radiolucencies in the mandible anterior to the first permanent molars. Expansion, either bony or soft tissue alone, was common. Internal calcification was sometimes seen. Teeth in contact with CGCG may lose their lamina dura and become displaced but resorption was rare.