History
Peripheral giant cell granuloma has a relatively rapid growth rate, often attaining a size of 1 cm within a few months. Lesions are generally asymptomatic. See image below.
This asymptomatic bluish-purple nodule developed on the edentulous mandibular alveolar ridge of a 76-year-old man.
Physical Examination
Clinical examination shows a dusky purple, sessile or pedunculated, smooth-surfaced, dome-shaped papule or nodule. Most lesions are less than 1.5 cm in diameter, though infrequently, a peripheral giant cell granuloma may grow as large as 5 cm in greatest dimension. [7]
The lesion is always located on the alveolar mucosa or the gingiva, and 70% are found in the anterior segments of the jaws, such as in the premolar, canine, and incisor regions. A slight predilection for the mandible is observed in most reported series. Surface ulceration is often present.
See the image below.
A 10-year-old boy developed this painless purple papule of the maxillary facial alveolar process over a 3-month period. Biopsy helped confirm the diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma.
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A 10-year-old boy developed this painless purple papule of the maxillary facial alveolar process over a 3-month period. Biopsy helped confirm the diagnosis of peripheral giant cell granuloma.
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This peripheral giant cell granuloma involved the maxillary gingiva associated with an erupting central incisor of a 6-year-old girl. The referring doctor had suggested a diagnosis of eruption cyst; however, an eruption cyst would immediately collapse once the tooth had disrupted its roof.
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This asymptomatic bluish-purple nodule developed on the edentulous mandibular alveolar ridge of a 76-year-old man.
