Giant cell granuloma of the temporal bone: a case report.

PROBLEM: Giant cell granuloma (GCG) is a rare nonneoplastic bone lesion that occurs mostly in the jawbones; few cases arise in the remainder of the skull, including the temporal bone. Previously, giant cell lesions of the temporal bone were regarded as giant cell tumours (GCT). The importance of distinguishing GCG from GCT lies in the presumed difference in prognosis; GCTs have higher rates of recurrence, metastasis, and malignant transformation. METHODOLOGY: We describe the case of a 12-year-old child with temporal bone GCG extending to the middle cranial fossa. The patient underwent a subtotal petrosectomy via retroauricular approach, associated with resection of the zygomatic process. RESULTS: No evidence of recurrence was found 36 months later. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of GCG was based on clinical history, histology, imaging, and response to treatment. The patient was treated with the standard surgical approach, and has a good outcome at three years follow-up.