Cherubism: early surgical approach and its effects on the quality of life in a pediatric patient

Laryssa Thainá Mello Queiroz Cunha; Almira Oliveira Pereira; Roniery Correia Santos; Eduardo Zancopé; Sebastião  Alves Pinto; Valtuir Barbosa Félix; Rubens Jorge Silveira

doi:10.5327/2525-5711.326

Authors

Laryssa Thainá Mello Queiroz Cunha State University of Campinas, Piracicaba Dental School, Department of oral diagnosis – Piracicaba (SP), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1357-4129
Almira Oliveira Pereira State University of Campinas, Piracicaba Dental School, Department of oral diagnosis – Piracicaba (SP), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0888-8449
Roniery Correia Santos Instituto de Pós-Graduação e Graduação, Department of Psychology – Goiânia (GO), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8481-1147
Eduardo Zancopé Federal University of Uberlândia, School of Dentistry, Department of Occlusion – Uberlândia (MG), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6567-4810
Sebastião Alves Pinto Goiano Institute of Oncology and Hematology – Goiânia (GO), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6887-5231
Valtuir Barbosa Félix Federal University of Alagoas, University Hospital, Department of Oral Pathology – Maceió (AL), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2961-2487
Rubens Jorge Silveira Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology – Goiânia (GO), Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3234-2158

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5327/2525-5711.326

Keywords:

Cherubism, Facial deformities, Quality of life

Abstract

Cherubism is a rare fibro-osseous osteodysplasia characterized by the symmetrical expansion of the jaws, often leading to facial deformities and functional impairment. This study presents the case of a pediatric patient diagnosed with cherubism who underwent early surgical intervention to improve quality of life and reduce the psychosocial impacts associated with the disease. The PedsQL™ 4.0 questionnaire was applied to assess quality of life before and after the surgical procedure. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the social and school domains, reflecting a reduction in the psychosocial burden of cherubism. Six months post-procedure, no significant complications or signs of recurrence were observed, highlighting the efficacy of early intervention. These findings suggest that an early surgical approach is a valuable strategy for optimizing quality of life and minimizing the negative effects of cherubism, particularly in children undergoing social and academic development.

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