Cherubism Clinical Features — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateOral PathologyCherubism Clinical FeaturesMFDS Part 1

An 8-year-old child presents with slowly progressive, painless, symmetrical enlargement of the posterior mandible. A panoramic radiograph shows bilateral expansile multilocular radiolucencies extending into the mandibular rami, with sparing of the condyles. Biopsy shows fibrovascular tissue containing numerous multinucleated giant cells. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Cherubism

The diagnosis is cherubism. Its discriminating features are onset in childhood, painless and symmetrical bilateral jaw enlargement, expansile multilocular radiolucencies and fibrovascular tissue containing multinucleated giant cells. The posterior mandible and rami are commonly involved, often with relative sparing of the condyles. Central giant cell granuloma can have nearly identical histology but is usually a solitary lesion rather than a symmetrical bilateral process. An aneurysmal bone cyst is generally an isolated expansile lesion with blood-filled spaces. Ameloblastoma is usually unilateral and is uncommon at this age. Langerhans cell histiocytosis more typically causes poorly defined destructive lesions, alveolar bone loss and a floating-teeth appearance. Cherubism commonly stabilises around puberty and may subsequently regress.

Reference: Chrcanovic BR, Guimarães LM, Gomes CC, Gomez RS. Cherubism: a systematic literature review of clinical and molecular aspects. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2021;50(1):43-53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32620450/