Introduction and importance: Maxillomandibular involvement with brown tumours is rare, especially in the paediatric population. We present a rare case of a young girl with brown tumour (BT) occurring in the mandible as the first manifestation of hyperparathyroidism.
Case presentation: A 7-year-old black female, presented with a 6-month history of a swelling on the left mandible. Patient had a history of intractable gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Biopsy confirmed the lesion as a giant cell lesion. Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels confirmed the diagnosis of a BT of hyperparathyroidism. The patient underwent surgical intervention involving parathyroidectomy. This was followed by segmental resection of the mandibular tumour two years later.
Clinical discussion: Brown Tumour is a rare, non-neoplastic lesion resulting from abnormal bone metabolism secondary to hyperparathyroidism. BT predominantly arise in long bones and the axial skeleton. Maxillomandibular involvement is very rare. In the present case, after parathyroidectomy, normal PTH and calcium levels were restored, and there was relief of gastrointestinal tract hypercalcaemic symptoms. However, there was no spontaneous regression of the mandibular tumour over a 2-year observation period. Hemimandibulectomy followed by reconstruction with a plate and costochondral graft was then performed.
Conclusion: It is difficult to differentiate BT from other giant cell lesions without blood chemistry revealing hyperparathyroidism. The distinction is imperative to avoid mutilating and aggressive treatment for BTs. Although BTs are amenable for conservative treatment, the present case illustrates that for bigger tumours, in the absence of spontaneous regression, aggressive surgical treatment may be required.
Keywords: Brown tumour; Giant cell lesions; Hyperparathyroidism; Mandible; Paediatric.
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