The brown tumour of hyperparathyroidism is a localized bone tumour and an uncommon manifestation of hyperparathyroidism. A 27-year-old woman presented with a mandibular 8 × 10 cm solid mass diagnosed as central giant cell granuloma. Chemical blood analysis revealed increased serum calcium levels of 12.46 mg/dL and the parathyroid hormone level was 124 pg/dL. The patient underwent surgery with removal of a parathyroid mass. Histologically, this parathyroid tissue was seen to be limited by a fibrous capsule with morphological features consistent with atypical parathyroid adenoma. The mandibular tumour has receded and the patient declined further procedures. This is the first case reported of brown tumour as the primary manifestation of an atypical parathyroid adenoma, a lesion that shares some features with parathyroid carcinoma without the unequivocal properties of malignancy.

Giant cell reparative granuloma (GCRG) is an uncommon benign lesion which has been reported at several sites in the head and neck. We present a case of a GCRG of the cricoid cartilage not previously described in the literature. It must be differentiated from the brown tumour of hyperparathyroidism and true giant cell tumours of bone. These were excluded on clinical, biochemical, radiological and histological grounds. The lesion responded well to surgical debulking and curettage and the patient remained disease-free 15 months after treatment.

We report an unusual case of cardio-respiratory arrest and eventual death secondary to a benign tumour of the oral cavity obstructing the oropharynx. We review the literature of similar occurrences causing difficulty with respiration and intubation, and highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.