The importance of clinical and radiological findings for the definitive histopathologic diagnosis of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws: Study of 276 cases

Early Intervention with a Preformed Eruption Guidance Appliance After the Excision of Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is a benign, non-aggressive fibro-osseous tumor in which normal bone is replaced by fibrous tissue containing collagen fibers, bone, or cementum-like material. Although COF is rare in children, its occurrence requires careful management due to its potential impact on tooth development and occlusion. Surgical excision is the widely used treatment; however, post-operative occlusal guidance is crucial, particularly in pediatric patients.

CASE REPORT

This case report presents the early intervention using a preformed eruption guidance appliance (EGA) following the excision of COF in a 5-year-old boy. The patient exhibited premature loss of the primary canine and displacement of the devel-oping permanent tooth bud. After surgical excision, an EGA was applied to facilitate proper eruption of the successor teeth and optimize oral muscle function. Over a four-year follow-up period, the permanent teeth in the affected area erupted favorably, and intercuspal relationships improved during the transition from primary to mixed dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the limited research on the long-term effects of COF on developing dentition, long-term follow-up and additional studies are necessary to further evaluate its impact and the effectiveness of eruption guidance appliances in pediatric patients.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia: A review of current literature

INTRODUCTION

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare genetic disease, in which normal bone is replaced by fibro-osseus tissue. Disease severity varies greatly from single monostotic lesions to widespread polyostotic disease. Craniofacial lesions are common and, due to the complex anatomy, can cause several disabling symptoms and local extra-skeletal complications. Since relatively rare, reported cases of craniofacial FD (CFD), specifically, are few and the appropriate management remains incompletely defined.

METHODOLOGY

We performed a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines for articles considering CFD in the years 2010-2023. The search was conducted in the PubMed and OVID Medline libraries. Altogether 193 articles were retrieved and reviewed.

RESULTS

Overall, the clinical presentation of CFD is highly variable depending on site and extent of lesion, with pain, deformity or impairment of function being most common. Diagnoses are often incidental and primarily based on CT imaging, while more extensive imaging, genetic studies and lesion biopsies are reserved for unclear cases. Asymptomatic patients are suitable for observation, while symptomatic or widespread disease may require more active approach with medical or surgical treatment. Follow-up is encouraged in all patients to observe possible lesion reactivation, late-stage complications and, though rarely, malignant transformation. Management should be individually tailored with a multidisciplinary team and wholesome consideration of individual needs.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides an updated discussion on craniofacial FD with focus on improved understanding of disease pathophysiology, appropriate line of surgical management, and new potential means of medical treatment.

Digitally-assisted Design for Precise Mandibular Defect Repair Using Autogenous Bone

This study introduces a novel surgical technique that leverages digital design for the precise repair of mandibular defects resulting from benign jaw tumors. The restoration of the mandibular defect is accomplished through autologous bone grafting from the mandible itself. This method significantly diminishes surgical complexity and risk, meeting the patient's preference to avoid additional surgical sites. Notably, 15 months postsurgery, the patient's mandible dimensions were suitable for dental implantation. Therefore, this technique has proven effective in repairing mandibular defects caused by the excision of benign tumors.

Ossifying fibroma and juvenile ossifying fibroma: A systematic review on clinical and radiological parameters, treatment modalities and recurrence

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a rare benign fibro-osseous neoplasm developing mostly in maxillo-facial bones. OF is divided in cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF), juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma (JTOF) and psammomatoid ossifying fibroma (PSOF). The aim of this systematic review was to synthetize the existing literature on OF, investigating the clinical and radiological parameters related to the different forms of the disease, and to compare the treatment modalities according to their associated recurrence rate. Three databases were searched in March 2024, with an update in September 2024. Eligibility criteria included studies reporting on patients with OF, surgical treatment and follow-up data. Of the 2016 studies identified, 22 were retained after eligibility assessment. A total of 492 patients were included. Most OF presented with painless swelling. COF affected 61.1 % of women with a mean age of 29.5, JTOF presented in 55.7 % of male children, and PSOF had no predilection for sex with a mean age of 19.5 years. Enucleation and curettage were associated with an elevated recurrence rate in JTOF (12/30) and PSOF (10/16). PSOF (6 cases) and JTOF (15 cases) showed no recurrence with radical surgery. Same recurrence rates in COF were seen for conservative and radical surgery. Although radical surgery seemed to avoid recurrence in JTOF and PSOF, conservative surgery such as enucleation and curettage with additional peripheral ostectomy should be considered primarily to lessen the morbidity induced by radical resection. Close clinical and radiological follow-up should be undertaken to diagnose early recurrence.

CT-based radiomics analysis of different machine learning models for differentiating gnathic fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma

OBJECTIVE

In this study, our aim was to develop and validate the effectiveness of diverse radiomic models for distinguishing between gnathic fibrous dysplasia (FD) and ossifying fibroma (OF) before surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enrolled 220 patients with confirmed FD or OF. We extracted radiomic features from nonenhanced CT images. Following dimensionality reduction and feature selection, we constructed radiomic models using logistic regression, support vector machine, random forest, light gradient boosting machine, and eXtreme gradient boosting. We then identified the best radiomic model using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. After combining radiomics features with clinical features, we developed a comprehensive model. ROC curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated the models' robustness and clinical value.

RESULTS

We extracted 1834 radiomic features from CT images, reduced them to eight valuable features, and achieved high predictive efficiency, with area under curves (AUC) exceeding 0.95 for all the models. Ultimately, our combined model, which integrates radiomic and clinical data, displayed superior discriminatory ability (AUC: training cohort 0.970; test cohort 0.967). DCA highlighted its optimal clinical efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Our combined model effectively differentiates between FD and OF, offering a noninvasive and efficient approach to clinical decision-making.

Benign fibro-osseous lesions: A retrospective study of sixty-four cases from a single institute, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective

Benign fibroosseous lesions (BFOLs) encompass a heterogenous collection of bone conditions characterized by replacing normal bone with fibro-collagenous tissue with osteoid or woven bone, and cementicles. Despite their clinical significance, the frequency of BFOLs in Saudi Arabia still needs to be assessed.

Methods

This retrospective study investigated the frequency and demographics of BFOLs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by retrieving all cases recorded between January 1984 and January 2013 from a single Oral Pathology Laboratory archive.

Results

A total of 64 cases were classified as BFOLs, with a predominance in females (67.2 %) and a median age of 21.5 years. The most prevalent condition identified was fibrous dysplasia (45.31 %), followed by cemento-ossifying fibroma (26.56 %). There were significant sex differences between BFOLs, with a p-value of 0.03. FD was predominantly located in the maxilla (65.5 %), whereas COF was predominantly found in the mandible (82.3 %). Recurrence was observed in 17.2 % of patients with FD, in contrast to no reported recurrence in patients with COF.

Conclusion

This study represents the first exploration of BFOL frequency and demographics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for further investigations to comprehensively understand the nature of these lesions in our population.

Central giant cell granuloma in the posterior region of mandible mimicking a fibro-osseous lesion and hemangioma: a case report

BACKGROUND

A central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign, proliferative, intraosseous, and non-odontogenic lesion occurring primarily in children and young adults. On the histological level, it is characterized by numerous multinucleated giant cells scattered randomly throughout a sea of spindle-shaped mesenchymal stromal cells which are dispersed throughout the fibrovascular connective tissue stroma containing areas of haemorrhage. When it comes to radiographic features, CGCG can have an array of variations, ranging from well-defined expansile lesions to ill-defined and destructive lesions, with or without expansion.

CASE PRESENTATION

This case report reviews an 11-year-old Caucasian patient with a chief complaint of slow-growing swelling involving the right posterior mandibular region. The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed an ill-defined mixed lesion mimicking both fibro-osseous lesion and hemangioma. However, microscopic examination revealed multinucleated giant cells in a fibrous stroma suggestive of central giant cell granuloma.

CONCLUSION

Our intent in reporting this case is to highlight the importance of thorough clinical, radiographical and histopathological examination for accurate diagnosis and therapeutic interventions as well as to emphasize the importance of taking different possibilities into consideration when examining bony swellings in the head and neck region.

Radiological follow-up of cemento-osseous dysplasia on cone-beam computed tomography

This study investigated the natural course of cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Retrospectively, 104 CBCT scans from 36 patients (mean age, 44.5 years; 33 female and three male) with mandibular COD (10 florid, seven focal, 19 periapical) were included, based upon clinico-radiological features, without complications such as infection and related surgery. Changes in maximum diameter and morphology (lytic, mixed lytic-sclerotic, sclerotic) were evaluated in 83 lesions, with a mean follow-up of 28.3 months. The occurrence of a diameter increase was assessed by time-to-event analysis; interreader agreement for diameter and morphological evaluation by intraclass correlation coefficient and weighted κ statistics, respectively. Fifteen of 83 (18.1%) lesions (eight florid, one focal, six periapical) in 10 patients increased in diameter; 12 of 83 (14.5%) lesions (five florid, seven periapical) in 11 patients changed morphologically. The median period until a diameter increase was longest (120 months) for periapical COD, and shortest (66 months) for florid COD (p = 0.023). There was high reader agreement (ICC = 0.891; weighted κ = 0.901). In conclusion, CBCT is an effective tool with which to follow-up COD. If any, the natural progress in uncomplicated COD is prolonged, which underlines its non-surgical character and aids in its long-term management.

A Case Series and Literature Review of Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia

Craniofacial fibro-osseous lesions (CFOLs) are a diverse group of relatively rare entities whose etiology ranges from reactive to dysplastic with a potential for malignant transformation. It is distinguished by the replacement of bone with fibrous tissue, that subsequently develops different degrees of calcification. Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a component of the fibro-osseous lesion spectrum. The clinical spectrum of FD is wide, ranging from minor monostotic lesions affecting a single bone to devastating polyostotic disease involving the entire skeleton. FD produces asymmetry, which impairs face aesthetics. FD leads to bone differentiation, disintegration, and disorganization. It depicts a cellular collagenous stroma lacking mitotic figures and pleomorphism. Blood capillaries are evenly distributed, as are elongated trabeculae of woven or lamellar bone with uneven curves (often referred to as the Chinese letters pattern). Three types of FD patterns can be identified by computed tomography (CT) imaging: a cystic pattern, a homogeneously dense pattern, and a ground-glass pattern. The cornerstone of treatment is surgery, although the method varies depending on the location, size, and symptoms of the lesion. As an alternative to surgery, the use of bisphosphonates to reduce osteoclastic activity is under consideration. In this case series, we present three cases of FD involving the maxilla and mandible. We aim to correlate the clinical presentation, histological features, and radiographic findings, to promote early diagnosis, treatment, and better prognosis of the patient.

Misdiagnosed long-standing unilateral nasal obstruction: ossifying fibroma of the inferior turbinate

A man in his 20s presented with complaints of unilateral nasal obstruction for the past 6 years that progressively worsened leading to irrational use of over-the-counter nasal decongestants. With the worsening of symptoms, a non-contrast CT was done. It showed a dense expansile sclerotic lesion of the right inferior turbinate, which was excised endoscopically. Cemento-ossifying fibromas of the inferior turbinate are rare and require assessment and surgical excision to relieve the symptom of nasal obstruction. It derives its name from the variable proportions of fibrous and mineralised tissue present in it and exclusively develops in the craniofacial region. It can be surgically managed by an endoscopic, an endonasal non-endoscopic (with a speculum) or an open approach (lateral rhinotomy, sublabial approach or mid-facial degloving). Here, we present how such a case was detected and managed surgically by the endoscopic approach, which is a minimally invasive option with shorter hospital stay and early recovery.

Pearls and pitfalls in the diagnosis of small oral biopsies

Pathologic processes affecting the oral and maxillofacial region include a heterogenous group of diseases with widely variable biologic behaviors. Proper patient management begins with the establishment of an accurate diagnosis, which often relies on histopathologic interpretation of small tissue samples from oral lesions. While confident diagnosis of small oral biopsies can be challenging, an understanding of oral and maxillofacial disease and consistent clinicopathologic correlation can help pathologists recognize inflammatory confounders and overcome common errors in specimen management, including insufficient sample size and non-representative biopsy samples.

Spontaneous Regression of Ossifying Fibroma in the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A Rare Case With 4-Year Follow-Up

The case presented in this study is a rare instance of an ossifying fibroma (OF), a type of benign fibro-osseous lesions, spontaneously regressed without surgical intervention. A 9-year-old boy with an intraosseous lesion in the left maxilla was diagnosed as OF. The surgeon suggested surgical excision, but due to personal reasons, the patient and his parents deferred the surgery and opted for regular follow-up. During a 4-year follow-up, the surgeon found that the lesion had significantly decreased in size and the facial deformity had remitted. At the latest follow-up, the deformity of his left face became almost unnoticeable, and the lesion seemed to be subtle on cone-beam computed tomography images. This case highlights the possibility of spontaneous regression of OF. This phenomenon may occur due to the teeth eruption, which can lead to the formation of periodontal ligaments and engage the regression of OF.

Fibrous Dysplasia of the Jaw: Advances in Imaging and Treatment

A total of 7% of all benign bone lesions are diagnosed as fibrous dysplasia (FD). The symptoms of FD of the jaw range from asymptomatic to dental anomalies, pain and facial asymmetry. Due to its resemblance to other fibro-osseous bone lesions, misdiagnosis often occurs and can lead to inadequate treatment. Particularly in the jaw, this lesion does not become quiescent during puberty, making fundamental knowledge about the diagnosis and treatment of FD crucial. Mutational analysis and nonsurgical approaches offer new diagnostic and therapeutic options. In this review, we examine the advances and the difficulties of the diagnosis and the various treatment modalities of FD of the jaw in order to capture the current scientific knowledge on this bone disease.

Cemento-osseous dysplasia is caused by RAS-MAPK activation

Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) belongs to the spectrum of benign fibro-osseous lesions occurring exclusively in the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws. Depending on site and extent of involvement, periapical, focal and florid subtypes can be distinguished that share an identical histomorphology. Most cases are asymptomatic and follow a self-limited course requiring no specific treatment. Over time, lesions progressively mineralise while the cellularity decreases. However, the molecular pathogenesis of COD, has not yet been explored. We analysed a series of 31 COD samples by targeted sequencing and detected pathogenic hotspot mutations involving the RAS-MAPK signalling pathway in 5/18 evaluable cases (28%). The mutations were found in the BRAF, HRAS, KRAS, NRAS, and FGFR3 genes. Our findings suggest that COD is driven by RAS-MAPK activation; however, the mechanism underlying the spontaneous growth arrest typically occuring in most of the lesions remains elusive.

Management of juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma of bone of the maxilla in a child: A case report at a tertiary hospital in Northern Tanzania

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Juvenile trabecular ossifying fibroma (JTOF) is a rare variant of ossifying fibroma. Though it is benign, it has aggressive clinical behavior. JTOF may pose diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties due to their clinical, radiological and histological variability. Herein, we describe our experience in encountering this unusual disease entity in terms diagnostics as well as surgical procedure and the differential diagnoses to be considered.

CASE PRESENTATION

An 8-year old female child presented to our facility because of a rapidly growing right maxillary swelling. Clinical examination revealed facial asymmetry resulted from the swelling on the right side of her face extra-orally, especially in her posterior upper jaw which was about 12 cm × 7 cm in dimension. Intra-oral examination revealed solitary mass, well-defined, firm in consistency and non-tender. There were no palpable lymph nodes. Infra- orbital nerves were bilaterally intact. Based on the clinical findings and history, the differential diagnoses of ossifying fibroma, ameloblastoma and fibrous dysplasia were given. Clinico-pathological and radiological correlation confirmed the diagnosis of JTOF. Hemimaxillectomy and reconstruction of maxilla with a rib were performed. Afterwards, the child reported with normal facial appearance, acceptable aesthetics and better chewing function.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

The clinical presentation of JTOF, and its rapid growth, can cause alarm of other pathologies such as osteosarcoma. The radiological features should reassure the practitioner and a histological examination confirmed the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

JTOF is a benign tumor and it should be operated at an early stage because of its rapid growth.

The dilemma of juvenile fibrous dysplasia versus chronic osteomyelitis of the posterior mandible: A case report

The clinical and radiographic dilemma of fibrous dysplasia versus osteomyelitis is highlighted in this case of a 4-year-old girl with a bony hard swelling in mandibular body and ramus. Rather than relying on histopathological appearance alone, dental professionals should be familiar with the radiographic differences between the two conditions.

Ossifying Fibroma of Non-odontogenic Origin: A Fibro-osseous Lesion in the Craniofacial Skeleton to be (Re-)considered

In the cranio-facial skeleton, a heterogeneous group of well characterized fibro-osseous lesions can be distinguished. Whereas fibrous dysplasia can affect any skeletal bone, ossifying fibroma and cemento-osseous dysplasia exclusively develop in the cranio-facial region, with most subtypes restricted to the tooth bearing areas of the jaws. Herein we present a series of 20 fibro-osseous lesions that developed mostly in the frontal bone and in the mandible, presenting as expansile intramedullary tumors with a unique histologic appearance and an indolent clinical course. We provide evidence that these tumors are distinct from the categories included in the WHO classification and are therefore currently unclassifiable. The definition of cemento-ossifying fibroma as an odontogenic neoplasm developing only in close proximity to teeth should be re-considered and incorporate also extragnathic lesions as shown here.