Introduction Demographics Clinical features Diagnosis Treatment
Peripheral odontogenic fibroma is an uncommon benign tumour of the gum and is the equivalent of a central odontogenic fibroma occuring outside of bone. It must be distinguished from the more common peripheral ossifying fibroma.
Peripheral odontogenic fibroma has been reported in all age groups (age range 2-80 years), with a slight peak in the twenties. Both sexes are affected.
A peripheral odontogenic fibroma presents as a slow growing firm lump on the gum. It develops more commonly on the gum of the lower jaw (mandible) than the upper jaw (maxilla). It can be found on either the inner (lingual-palatal) or outer (labial-buccal) surface of the gum. It usually does not ulcerate.
This lesion can only be diagnosed on pathology following excision (when it is cut out). The tumour is not defined by a capsule or wall. It consists of interwoven connective tissue with islands of odontogenic epithelium. Sometimes there may be small areas with calcium deposits, or of bone or tooth-like material.
Peripheral odontogenic fibroma is best treated by simple surgical excision with clear margins on histology. Recurrences have been reported up to 4 years after the initial excision.
