Published online Jun 16, 2013. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v1.i3.128
Revised: April 19, 2013
Accepted: May 8, 2013
Published online: June 16, 2013
Processing time: 106 Days and 0.1 Hours
Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is a rare osteogenic neoplasm that ordinarily presents as an epulis-like growth. This is of a reactive rather than neoplastic nature and its pathogenesis is uncertain. PCOF predominantly affects adolescent and young adults with greatest prevalence around 28 years. We report here a rare clinical case of PCOF of the mandible, 1 cm mesiodistally and 1.5 cm occluso-gingivally in diameter, which caused difficulty in eating and speech, in a 42-year-old female patient. She was asymptomatic for 1 year and on follow-up for 6 mo post surgically showed gingival health and normal radioopacity of bone without any recurrence. Clinical, radiographic and histological characteristics are discussed and recommendations regarding differential diagnosis, treatment and follow up are provided. The controversial varied nomenclature and possible etiopathogenesis of PCOF are emphasized.
Core tip: The cemento-ossifying fibroma is a central neoplasm of bone as well as periodontium. The pathogenesis of this tumor is uncertain. Due to their clinical and histopathological similarities, some peripheral cemento ossifying fibromas (PCOFs) are believed to show fibrous maturation and subsequent calcification. The diagnosis of PCOF based only on clinical observation is difficult, hence radiographs and histopathological examination are essential for accurate diagnosis. In addition, a complete excision of the lesion is required to prevent reoccurrence.