Cherubism: Case reports and review of the literature

ABSTRACT

Four case reports are presented of Cherubism, a rare, often inherited, bone disorder, characterized by giant cell lesional replacement of the facial bones. The lesions manifest as painless jaw swellings seen as characteristic radiolucent bilateral multilocularities arising in young children. When large and symmetric, diagnosis is clinically obvious but, with dental disruption and, in the early stages with seemingly unilateral presentations, diagnosis can be challenging. Early diagnosis is emphasized because general consensus is for the avoidance of surgical intervention where possible. Current modalities and views on the management and treatment options are reviewed