Giant peripheral ossifying fibroma of the mandible: case report of a rare and distinct pathology

Abstract

Peripheral ossifying fibroma usually presents as a small, pedunculated, gingival nodule, the pathogenesis of which is believed to be reactive rather than neoplastic. The lesion is typically less than two cm in size; however, there are reported cases where the lesion grew quite large. The oversize mass-like clinical appearance might be confused for other similar neoplastic lesions of the oral cavity, and the radiographic presentation of soft tissue calcification may lead to misdiagnosis; however, the histological features are diagnostic. There are very few cases reported of a giant POF; hence, we present a new case of a giant mandibular POF that was managed with resection and reconstruction. A brief review of previously reported cases on the clinical presentation, radiographic features, treatment modalities, and outcomes is performed to inform clinical decision making. This lesion represents a distinct clinical entity with a set of features requiring recognition for accurate diagnosis and a radical management approach due to its aggressive growth and a high recurrence rate.