Objective: The etiology and pathogenesis of giant cell granuloma in jaw bones is not clear. There are some authors who consider central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) in jaw bones is similar to giant cell tumors of long bones while others believe them to be reactive or non-neoplastic lesions. Peripheral giant cell granulomas (PGCG) considered reactive occur on the gingiva and have the same histopathology as central lesions. The central and peripheral giant cell lesions recur following conservative treatment. Recently few studies have described USP6 translocation in CGCG transforming this lesion to a neoplasm. Chromosomal t(16;17)(q22;p13) translocation leading to rearrangement of the USP6 gene on the short arm of chromosome 17 is considered oncogenic, thus changing the pathogenesis of reactive lesions to neoplasms. This retrospective study analyzed two cases of CGCG and one PGCG from soft tissues for USP6 translocation.
Method: This retrospective study utilized histologically proven cases of CGCG (one each from the maxilla and mandible) and a case of PGCG. The mandibular CGCG was recurrent in a 38 year old Caucasian female while the maxillary lesion was in an 18 year old Caucasian male. PGCG was located on the lingual gingiva between teeth #23 and 24 in a 57 year old Caucasian female. All cases were analyzed for translocation of USP6 using Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using a USP6 Breakapart Probe.
Result: All cases were negative for a rearrangement of the USP6 locus by FISH.
Conclusion: The results of this pilot study implicates that CGCG and PGCG are reactive lesions with little or no neoplastic potential and managed conservatively. The results of this study require to be confirmed by a larger study to establish definite treatment protocols.