Familial, multilocular, cystic disease of the jaws or familial fibrous swelling of the jaws (cherubism) is an uncommon condition. It is characterized by marked protuberance of the cheeks and jaws with associated upward turning of the eyes. A swelling of the submaxillary region is frequently present due to hyperplasia of the regional lymph nodes. These patients in the earlier stages, usually about the third to the fifth year, may present a grotesque cherubic appearance—hence the use of the term "cherubism."
The occurrence of this familial, painless enlargement of the jaws was first reported by Jones1 in 1933. He later reported follow-up observations on the same family in 1938.2 According to his report, earlier generations of the family had not exhibited any signs of the disease. Dr. P. J. Thomas2 of Savannah, Ga., has observed a boy with similar multilocular enlargement of the jaws. The enlargements were said