Xanthomatosis was reported for the first time in 1938 and is thought to be commonly caused by a disorder in lipid metabolism. Xanthogranuloma is classified as local metabolic derangements-related xanthomatosis, and is thought to be a type of inflammatory granulomatous lesion characterized by lipid deposition on histiocytes. This disease consists of a mass mainly occurring in the kidneys, skin or liver, but rarely in the oral and maxillofacial region. We report our experience of occurrence in the mandible.
A 38-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for examination of an asymptomatic left side mandibular molar region radiolucency. Panoramic tomography and computed tomography showed a multilocular radiolucency with marginal irregularity in the left mandibular molar region. The lesion extended to the inferior border of the mandible across the mandibular canal. The biopsy specimen was solid with yellow fat-like weak tissue, however the diagnosis was benign histiocytic lesion. We performed a complete removal of the lesion, and a definite diagnosis of xanthogranuloma was obtained. Three years have passed since the surgery, without recurrence.
