Growth potential of peripheral giant cell granuloma

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of selected demographic, systemic health, and oral health characteristics of patients with large (> 2 cm) peripheral giant cell granuloma and to assess its growth potential and the possible underlying causes.

Methods: A series of 79 cases including 15 subjects with lesions 2 to 5 cm in the largest diameter is presented. Age, sex, site, size, systemic health, oral hygiene, and report of oral dryness of subjects with large lesions were compared with those of subjects with small lesions (< 2 cm).

Results: No differences were found in mean age between the small lesion group (mean age = 31 +/- 6 years) and the large lesion group (mean age 53 +/- 24.2 years). Female predilection (male/female ratio 1:1.5, 1:2.75.) was more significant in patients with large lesions. No statistically significant differences were found in systemic health score (mean American Society of Anesthesiology score 1.39, 1.53). Oral hygiene score (percent calculus 78% +/- 3.1%, 95% +/- 2.7%, percent gingival bleeding 58% +/- 3.6%, 73% +/- 5.4%, percent deep pocket 30% +/- 2.8%, 42% +/- 3.1) was better among the patients with small lesions. The percentage of patients with a report of oral dryness was significantly higher (3.1%, 27%) among patients with large lesions.

Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that patients with large (> 2 cm) peripheral giant cell granuloma lesions are more likely to be women with lower oral hygiene scores and xerostomia. Further studies are required to measure the relative risk of these factors.