Recurrent peripheral odontogenic fibroma associated with basal cell budding

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Odontogenic neoplasms

Background:

• Peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POdF) is a rare, benign neoplasm.
• It is the soft tissue counterpart to central odontogenic fibroma.
• POdF may arise from persistent rests of the dental lamina in the gingiva.

Observation:

• Clinically, POdF presents as a firm, slow-growing gingival mass.
• It can be mistaken for common inflammatory gingival lesions.
• Few cases of recurrence have been documented.

Findings:

• Histological budding of the basal cell layer of the surface epithelium is linked to increased recurrence.
• Calcification near epithelial rests is associated with lower recurrence rates.
• This case exhibited basal cell budding, potentially explaining its recurrence.

Implications:

• Understanding histological markers can aid in predicting POdF behavior.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial to differentiate POdF from inflammatory conditions.
• Further research into POdF pathogenesis may improve management strategies.