giant cell granuloma

Definition: a nonneoplastic lesion characterized by a proliferation of granulation tissue containing numerous multinucleated giant cells; it occurs in the gingiva and alveolar mucosa (occasionally in other soft tissues) where it presents as a soft red-blue hemorrhagic nodular swelling; it also occurs within the mandible or maxilla as a unilocular or multilocular radiolucency; microscopically similar lesions occur in the tubular bones of the hands and feet, are considered neoplastic and may have a malignant course. Identical bony lesions may be seen in hyperparathyroidism and cherubism.

Synonym(s): giant cell epulis, reparative giant cell granuloma

See Also: giant cell tumor of bone

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