# Brown’s Tumor of the Mandible Secondary to Hyperparathyroidism

**Authors:** Katerina Vlachou, Shoney Bivin, Richard Burnham

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98633 · Cureus · 2025-12-07

## TL;DR

This paper presents a case of Brown’s tumor in the jaw caused by hyperparathyroidism and highlights the importance of early diagnosis.

## Contribution

The paper adds a clinical case report of Brown’s tumor in the mandible linked to primary hyperparathyroidism.

## Key findings

- Brown’s tumor was diagnosed in a 67-year-old female with primary hyperparathyroidism.
- Histological and radiographic findings confirmed the presence of Brown’s tumor in the mandible.
- Early detection is emphasized to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure proper treatment.

## Abstract

Brown’s tumor (osteitis fibrosa cystica) is a rare, non-neoplastic condition resulting from hyperparathyroidism (HPT). It is characterized by increased osteoclastic activity and bone turnover, which subsequently leads to the deposition of fibrous tissue. Although it generally affects long bones of the body, it can also affect facial bones, particularly the mandible. It can further mimic other fibro-osseous, infective, or malignant conditions. We report the case of a 67-year-old female patient with primary HPT. The initial swelling was found incidentally during an extraction. Radiographic imaging revealed root resorption of the adjacent teeth, while histological examination demonstrated the typical multinucleated giant cells. Elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels confirmed the diagnosis of primary HPT and supported the clinical impression of a Brown's tumor. Brown's tumor is often a diagnostic challenge as it is misdiagnosed, particularly as a malignant lesion. Early detection is crucial in order to provide the appropriate treatment, not only for the lesions but also for the underlying HPT.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** hyperparathyroidism (MONDO:0001741)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** PTH (parathyroid hormone) [NCBI Gene 5741] {aka FIH1, PTH1}
- **Diseases:** Brown's Tumor of (MESH:D009369), osteitis fibrosa cystica (MESH:D010002), primary HPT (MESH:D049950), HPT (MESH:D006961), swelling (MESH:D004487)
- **Chemicals:** calcium (MESH:D002118)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12772421/full.md

## References

5 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12772421/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12772421