Giant cell reparative granuloma outside the jaw bone: Diagnostic criteria and review of the literature with the first case described in the temporal bone

Abstract

A review of literature dealing with giant cell reparative granuloma of bone indicates that this lesion not only appears in the jaw bones but may also occur as a nonspecific reparative process in other skull bones. The etiology is intraosseous hemorrhage triggered by trauma or possibly inflammation (infection). The criteria for histologic diagnosis are reviewed, and the main points of differentiation from the giant cell tumor and other similar lesions are outlined. The condition is definitely a separate clinicopathologic entity. Literature is reviewed with special reference to giant cell tumors arising in the temporal bone, and evidence is brought forth showing that 18 of 23 previously reported cases actually represent giant cell reparative granulomas. Thus it appears that in the temporal bone the lesion is more common than the giant cell tumor. An additional case of giant cell reparative granuloma arising in the temporal bone is presented. The treatment of choice is surgical curettage, and the prognosis is good. Radiation therapy should be applied only to those lesions that are incompletely removed at surgery, that recur, or that cannot be approached adequately by surgical technique.