Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a reactive overgrowth that most commonly occurs on the gingiva. It is a benign oral soft tissue tumour. It is most commonly found on the anterior maxilla and has a female predilection. Most commonly found to occur in the second decade of life. This type of lesion originates from the cells of the periodontal ligament. It is often associated with trauma or local irritants, such as subgingival plaque and calculus, dental appliances and poor-quality dental restorations. This entity requires a proper treatment protocol and a regular follow-up. It can cause significant discomfort and irritation in the oral health if left untreated. The recurrence rate of the lesion varies according to the authors. This case report describes a case of POF in an adult female patient which was treated using surgical excision resulting in an uneventful healing during the post-operative period.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a nonneoplastic inflammatory hyperplasia that originates in the periodontal ligament or periosteum in response to chronic mechanical irritation. Peripheral ossifying fibroma develops more commonly in young females as a solitary, slow-growing, exophytic nodular mass of the gingiva, no more than 2 cm in diameter. While various synonyms have been used to refer to peripheral ossifying fibroma, very similar names have also been applied to neoplastic diseases that are pathologically distinct from peripheral ossifying fibroma, causing considerable nomenclatural confusion. Herein, we report our experience with an unusual giant peripheral ossifying fibroma with a differential diagnostic challenge in distinguishing it from a malignancy.
METHODS: A 68-year-old Japanese male was referred to our department with a suspected gingival malignancy presenting with an elastic hard, pedunculated, exophytic mass 60 mm in diameter in the right maxillary gingiva. In addition to computed tomography showing extensive bone destruction in the right maxillary alveolus, positron emission tomography with computed tomography revealed fluorodeoxyglucose hyperaccumulation in the gingival lesion. Although these clinical findings were highly suggestive of malignancy, repeated preoperative biopsies showed no evidence of malignancy. Since even intraoperative frozen histological examination revealed no malignancy, surgical resection was performed in the form of partial maxillectomy for benign disease, followed by thorough curettage of the surrounding granulation tissue and alveolar bone. Histologically, the excised mass consisted primarily of a fibrous component with sparse proliferation of atypical fibroblast-like cells, partly comprising ossification, leading to a final diagnosis of peripheral ossifying fibroma. No relapse was observed at the 10-month follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS: The clinical presentation of giant peripheral ossifying fibromas can make the differential diagnosis from malignancy difficult. Proper diagnosis relies on recognition of the characteristic histopathology and identification of the underlying chronic mechanical stimuli, while successful treatment mandates complete excision of the lesion and optimization of oral hygiene. Complicated terminological issues associated with peripheral ossifying fibroma require appropriate interpretation and sufficient awareness of the disease names to avoid diagnostic confusion and provide optimal management.

OBJECTIVE: Gingival fibromas (GFs) are fibrous lesions of the gingiva that are not well defined in the literature. They are histologically similar to peripheral ossifying fibromas (POFs), both being characterized as cellular proliferations of dense fibrous tissue, with POFs differing in that they demonstrate foci of calcification. This study aims to expand upon the immunohistochemical characterization of GFs, and to confirm their osteoblastic phenotype.
METHODS: Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded GFs, POFs and fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) of the gingiva were examined. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for special AT-rich sequence binding protein 2 (SATB2), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA). Sections were evaluated by light microscopy and the immunohistochemical staining patterns were assigned immunoreactive scores (IRS) based on percentage of stained cells and intensity of staining.
RESULTS: GFs, POFs, and FEPs of the gingiva expressed osteoblastic markers SATB2, RUNX2 and osteocalcin. GFs and POFs expressed αSMA while FEPs of the gingiva did not. GFs and POFs had similar staining patterns of SATB2, RUNX2 and αSMA.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that GFs and POFs exhibit a similar immunohistochemical profile, and supports a theory that GFs are osteoblastic lesions possibly related to POFs.

We hereby report an unusual case which presented as a routinely encountered reactive lesion on the palate, whilst the radiological examination revealed a radiolucent cystic lesion underneath. After the investigations from radiography to histopathology, it was finally diagnosed as a peripheral ossifying fibroma coexisting with a nasopalatine duct cyst.

OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare the immunohistochemical expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α in peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF).
METHODS: The study included 20 POF and 20 PGCG cases diagnosed at the Pathology Department of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Medical Faculty. Hematoxylin & Eosin-stained slides obtained from each biopsy specimen were re-evaluated, and IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α antibodies were investigated immunohistochemically. While staining in stromal cells was examined in POF cases, staining in both stromal spindle cells and multinucleated giant cells was evaluated in PGCG cases. An immunoreactivity score was established for each case by evaluating the staining percentage and intensity for each individual case. The significance level was set at 5% (p < 0.05).
RESULTS: The level of IL-6 and TNF-α expressions in the multinucleated giant cells in PGCG lesions was found higher than that in stromal cells (p < 0.005 and p < 0.000, respectively). In PGCG lesions, there was no significant difference between giant cells and stromal cells in terms of IL-1β and IL-17 expression levels. There was no significant difference between PGCG and POF lesions in terms of IL-1β and IL-6 expression. TNF-α expression levels were significantly higher in spindle cells of PGCG lesions than that of POF lesions (p < 0.00). However, IL-17 expression levels were significantly lower in PGCG lesions than in POF lesions (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that TNF-α expression was significantly higher in PGCG lesions and IL-17 expression in POF lesions. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α are involved in the pathogenesis of both PGCG and POF lesions.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral ossifying fibroma is an inflammatory or reactive hyperplasia of the gingiva that is usually small. It is formed by hard tissue in fibrous tissue, and the name \"neoplastic lesion\" has tended to be used frequently in Europe and America. Clinically, peripheral ossifying fibromas are painless, solitary, exophytic, sessile, or pedunculated and more frequently found in females than in males. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of malignant cases. We herein report the case of giant peripheral ossifying fibroma with squamous cell carcinoma.
METHODS: The patient was an 83-year-old Japanese woman who visited our hospital with a gingival massive mass. She was referred to us for an examination and treatment because it was difficult to perform tracheal intubation for surgery of sigmoid colon cancer at another hospital. The mass measured 83 × 58 × 35 mm, and it protruded to the extra-oral region from the right maxillary premolar alveolar region. Panoramic X-ray revealed the shadow of the mass in the right maxillary premolar region, which included some hard tissue. Computed tomography showed scattering calcified images in the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging was not performed because she had vertebral artery clips and screws in her forehead. Given the above findings, we performed a biopsy under local anesthesia. However, we were unable to diagnose absolutely whether the dysplastic squamous epithelia were pseudocarcinomatous hyperplasia of the gingiva or well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, tumor resection was performed under general anesthesia. The histopathological diagnosis was peripheral ossifying fibroma with coincidental squamous cell carcinoma. There have been no signs of recurrence during follow-up as of 2 years after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS: The etiology of giant peripheral ossifying fibroma with squamous cell carcinoma is still not definite. Therefore, careful observation is necessary. It needs to be examined by accumulation of more cases in the future. We herein report the case of giant peripheral ossifying fibroma coincidental squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a common localized, reactive benign gingival growth. POF usually measuring <2 cm in diameter.
METHODS: We present a case of a 25-year-old, female with a large-sized peripheral ossifying fibroma in the oral cavity. The patient presented with an asymptomatic, slowly growing gingival mass in the lower left anterior area of the oral cavity which had been gradually increased in size for more than five years.
UNASSIGNED: This case report shows that POF can grow and reach unusual dimensions that may, also, contribute to occlusal problems and lip incompetence.
CONCLUSIONS: POF should be excised completely to decrease the chance of lesion recurrence.

UNASSIGNED: Reactive localized hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity (RHLs) are relatively common peripheral lesions which present as a range of clinically similar lesions at dental centers. Diagnosis can be challenging if dentists are unfamiliar with their clinicopathological across various populations.
UNASSIGNED: This study reviews the pattern of distribution of RHLs of the oral mucosa in a hospital- the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
UNASSIGNED: We reviewed 10 years data from the archives of the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Information on RHLs were extracted and recorded on standardized data forms and analyzed using STATA.
UNASSIGNED: The most common lesions were pyogenic granuloma (43.7%) and focal fibrous hyperplasia (39.7%), respectively. RHLs were found to be more frequent in women (66.7%) than men (33.3%). The most common locations of involvement was the gingivae (84.6%), and lesions were more common in the 9-29 year age group and the mean age was 37.7 (±21.1) years. The relationship between age group and reactive lesions was however not statistically significant.
UNASSIGNED: The major benefit of this study is an improved knowledge of the frequency and distribution of oral reactive lesions in sub-Saharan Africa which may be highly beneficial when establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan in clinical practice.

A diverse spectrum of benign oral mucosal lesions exists, presenting as either isolated oral findings or in association with dermatologic conditions. Oral lesions can closely resemble one another; therefore, it is important for clinicians to be able to recognize their distinctive features, to be able to recognize benign versus malignant disease, and to recognize when obtaining a biopsy specimen is warranted. The first article in this continuing medical education series reviews oral anatomy, the clinical attributes of several benign lesions of the oral cavity, and appropriate management and therapeutic modalities.

Most of the reactive lesions in the oral cavity arise from gingiva. Fibroma, focal fibrous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, and peripheral ossifying fibroma are the commonly encountered lesions of gingiva. Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) frequently arises from the peripheral tissues like gingiva. It is commonly found in females, mostly in the anterior of the molar region. POF is predicted to arise from the cells of periodontal ligament due to close proximity of gingiva to periodontal ligament. Its exact origin is unclear. The present article describes the case of recurrent peripheral ossifying fibroma located in the right lower premolar region in a 23-year-old female patient. Clinical, radiographic and histologic features as well as differential diagnosis, treatment and follow-up are discussed in this report. Early diagnosis along with surgical excision and curettage of surrounding tissue is important for the prevention of recurrences. Early conservative management of lesion reduces the risk of progression of lesion, and frequent follow-up visits are required to evaluate for recurrences.