Peripheral ossifying fibroma: A case report

Localized gingival growths are one of the most frequently encountered lesions in the oral cavity, which are considered to be reactive rather than neoplastic. Different lesions with similar clinical presentation make it difficult to arrive at a correct diagnosis. These lesions include pyogenic granuloma, irritation fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF). Among these lesions, an infrequently occurring gingival lesion is the POF. Considerable confusion has prevailed in the nomenclature of POF due to its variable histopathologic features. This is a case presentation of a 30-year-old female with gingival overgrowth in the mandibular left canine-premolar region. Clinically, the lesion was asymptomatic, firm, pale pinkish and sessile. Surgical excision of the lesion was done followed by histopathologic confirmation with emphasis on the clinical aspect. Given the rate of recurrence for POF being 8-20%, close post-operative follow-up is required.