Aggressive case of cherubism: 17-year follow-up

Cherubism is an autosomal dominant disorder in which the normal bone is replaced by cellular fibrous and immature bone, resulting in painless symmetrical enlargement of the jaws. An aggressive case of cherubism with extensive swelling on several facial bones in a 19-year-old boy is reported. The disorder was diagnosed 15 years ago, but the patient has not been submitted to any type of surgery so far. The highlights of this case are the great proportion of the lesions, the enormous functional and emotional disturbances brought about by these lesions, and the difficulty to choose the most appropriate age and form of treatment. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.