Surgical and pathological considerations in cherubism.

Although cherubism was recognized over half a century ago, there are few reports in the literature describing the overall management of this puzzling and challenging condition. The early onset of this disease and its continued growth result in therapeutic dilemmas with respect to pathological potential, deformity, dysfunction, and possible facial and emotional scarring. This report describes a staged approach to a major case, utilizing the advantages of current advances such as surgical technology, transoral approach, pantomography, and radioscintography. Foremost consideration is given to the histopathology of this and related fibro-osseous diseases. It is concluded that a curettement-recontouring procedure is the surgical modality of choice.