OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinicopathologic features of familial cherubism and its differentiation from other giant cell lesions in jaws and the results of surgical treatments with a long-term follow-up.

METHODSFour cases of familial cherubism were reviewed and their clinical and radiographic features, histopathologic appearance, biochemical markers and surgical treatments analysed.

RESULTSClinically, cherubism was characterized by bilateral painless swelling of jaws, mandibular deformity was common. Radiographs showed multilocular radiolucencies with sclerotic thickening border. Histopathologically, numerous randomly distributed multinucleated giant cells and vascular spaces within a fibrous connective tissue stroma with or without eosinophilic collagen perivascular cuffing were shown. The lesion regressed without treatment in 1 cases. Curettage was performed in 3 cases with good results.

CONCLUSIONSCherubism can be diagnosed according to its typical clinical and radiographical features with a positive family history. It might regress without treatment. But surgery intervention is suggested to improve physiological function and to solve the psychologic problem of the patients.