Central giant cell lesion of the jaw: Nonsurgical treatment with calcitonin nasal spray

Objectives The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the long-term administration of intranasal calcitonin spray for the treatment of central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) in a retrospective case study. Study design The medical files of 5 patients (4 male, 1 female; ages 8-66 years) with CGCG of the jaws treated with calcitonin nasal spray 200 U/spray once or twice daily were reviewed for lesion-related parameters, outcome, and adverse effects of therapy. Results Three lesions were located in the mandibular body and ramus region and 2 in the anterior maxilla. Mean lesion size on radiography was 3.2 × 2.3 cm. The duration of calcitonin treatment was 9-60 months (mean 28 months). All the lesions considerably decreased in size with a high degree of calcification. There were no recurrences. Conclusions Calcitonin nasal spray appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of CGCG and might be considered an alternative to surgery. Further controlled studies are needed to corroborate these findings.