Giant Cell Tumor of the Superior Maxilla

A 37-year-old woman presented with a fast-growing mass in the left nasolabial region that had been developing over the previous 9 months. Computed tomography scan with contrast of the facial bones showed a solid, homogeneous lesion with partially defined margins, dependent on the left upper maxilla (Figs. 1 and 2).

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Biopsy of the tumor identified the mass as a giant cell tumor (GCT). GCT of the bone are lesions characterized by the presence of multinucleated giant cells and represent 4% of all bone tumors. Only 2% originate in the craniofacial skeleton; maxillary tumors are exceptional. Standard treatment is surgical resection.