Managing a peripheral ossifying fibroma

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology and pediatric dentistry focusing on reactive jaw lesions.

Background:

• Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a common, benign gingival lesion, predominantly affecting young to middle-aged females.
• POF typically presents as a slow-growing, sessile or pedunculated mass, often associated with poor oral hygiene or dental trauma.

Observation:

• This case report details an unusual presentation of POF in a seven-year-eight-month-old female.
• The pediatric patient exhibited a significantly larger lesion than typically reported, measuring 2.7 cm x 1.5 cm x 1.0 cm.
• The lesion's size and location in a young child deviate from the usual demographic and clinical presentation of POF.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of peripheral ossifying fibroma.
• The lesion demonstrated characteristic features of POF, including a fibrous connective tissue stroma with diverse cellularity and evidence of ossification.
• Management involved surgical excision of the lesion.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering POF in pediatric patients, even with atypical size and presentation.
• Early diagnosis and complete surgical removal are crucial for preventing recurrence and managing potential complications.
• Further research into the etiology and specific management strategies for pediatric POF may be warranted.