Familial cherubism in monozygotic twins: A 9-year follow-up

Cherubism is a rare hereditary disease that was first described by Jones in 1933. The disease is characterized by painless jaw enlargement in early childhood. We encountered a very rare case of familial cherubism in monozygotic twins, as reported here for the first time. On the first examination at age 7, the twins' facial features were characterized by painless swelling of the left side of the face. Panoramic radiographs revealed multilocular cystic radiolucency giving soap-bubble appearance in the mandible and unilocular radiolucency in the maxilla. Later, the mandibular diseases gradually progressed, and facial asymmetry was apparent additionally. Therefore, at age 11, they underwent conservative curettage and debulking of the left mandibular molar region under general anesthesia. The specimens were compatible with giant cell granulomas. Consequently, the twins were diagnosed with cherubism. Orthodontic treatment starting at age 12 has resulted in almost normal dental arches. The maxillary diseases disappeared completely without surgical treatment at 14 years of age.