Giant cell epulis with unusual clinical and radiological features--a diagnostic pitfall in FNAC material. Report of a case with differential diagnosis.

Giant cell epulis (peripheral giant cell granuloma) is a tumorlike condition of the gingiva found predominantly in elderly women. A case of peripheral giant cell granuloma of the mandibular gingiva, examined by fine needle aspiration biopsy, is herein reported. A 51-year-old woman presented with a three week history of bleeding from a six cm tumor located in the central part of the mandible. On radiography, an osteolytic lesion was present, suspicious of malignancy. An aspiration biopsy revealed microscopic features suggesting the diagnosis of a giant cell lesion of possibly malignant nature. Surgical resection was performed. Histological examination showed giant cell epulis destroying the mandibular bone. Differential diagnosis of this lesion is widely discussed.