Fibrous Dysplasia of the Posterior Mandible in a 5 Year- Old Child: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Fibrous dysplasia is a rare, benign bone disorder where normal bone is replaced by fibro-osseous tissue, often associated with GNAS gene mutations. It typically presents in childhood and may involve craniofacial bones, leading to facial deformities. Around 90% of cases show maxillofacial involvement, especially in the maxilla and mandible. Facial deformities are the primary reasons the patients seek medical treatment. In some cases, it occurs alongside café-au-lait skin pigmentation and endocrine abnormalities, forming part of McCune-Albright syndrome.  Diagnosis can be challenging due to non-specific symptoms like pain or swelling. Lesions tend to enlarge with growth, and ceases when the child reaches pubertal age with the remodelling of the bone seen during the adulthood. Taking the patient’s growing age and that the lesion ceases after puberty and also due to asymptomatic nature of the swelling into considerations, the treatment approach is palliative with regular follow ups. This case report presents a rare pediatric instance of fibrous dysplasia with respect to the posterior mandible, focusing on the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and the need for early recognition to ensure appropriate referral and management.