Ossifying fibroma arising from the zygomatic arch: A case report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pathology
• Oncology

Background:

• Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare benign fibro-osseous neoplasm.
• OF typically presents in the jaws, but origin from the zygomatic arch is undocumented.
• This case represents a novel occurrence of OF in this anatomical location.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of a gradually enlarging osseous protrusion on the right zygomatic arch.
• Imaging revealed a granulated lesion on the zygomatic arch, suggestive of a benign bone tumor.
• Surgical resection was performed for the 3.3cm x 3.2cm swelling.

Findings:

• Histopathological analysis confirmed ossifying fibroma, characterized by irregular bone trabeculae and increased fibroblasts.
• The lesion was successfully resected from the zygomatic arch with clear boundaries.
• No recurrence was noted on clinical or radiographic follow-up for 1.5 years.

Implications:

• This case expands the known anatomical sites for ossifying fibroma.
• Complete resection is crucial, and aggressive removal of surrounding bone may be considered due to recurrence risk.
• The etiology of OF, particularly in unusual locations like the zygomatic arch, requires further investigation, despite trauma being a potential factor.