RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate central lesions of the jaws dominated by foamy macrophages (foam cells), which are interpreted to be "central xanthomas of the jaws" and to differentiate this condition from reported cases of jaw nonossifying fibroma/fibrous cortical defect and benign fibrous histiocytoma of bone. STUDY DESIGN: The study is a literature review and a retrospective analysis of clinical, radiographic, microscopic, and immunohistochemical features of five new cases of this condition. RESULTS: The lesion has a predilection for the mandible in adults of variable ages, with the potential to become very large and destructive; however, it has a very low recurrence rate, if any, following surgical curettage. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the "central xanthoma of the jaws" be considered a unique, although rare, clinicopathologic entity. It is unclear whether this lesion is a benign neoplastic process or a persistent reactive process.