Central ossifying fibroma of mandible

A Case of an Ossifying Fibroma of the Mandible Suspected as a Static Bone Cavity

Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign fibro-osseous lesion characterized by the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue containing immature bone and/or cementum-like hard tissue. Although the pathogenesis of OF remains unclear, trauma, previous extractions, and periodontitis are considered potential trigger factors. OF is more common in women aged from the second to fourth decades. Clinically, OF is characterized by slow-growing and asymptomatic swelling, often observed incidentally on radiological examinations. OF occurs more frequently in the mandible, particularly above the mandibular canal. Herein, we present a rare case of OF in an 18-year-old man initially misdiagnosed as a static bone cavity. The lesion was first observed as a radiolucent finding below the left mandibular canal on a panoramic radiograph. Later, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging revealed the presence of calcifications within the lesion. Additionally, CBCT confirmed the presence of the lesion within the lingual cortical bone, revealing lingual swelling and thinning of the outer cortex. Enucleation was successfully performed under general anesthesia without any postoperative complications. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of OF, revealing mineralized tissue and proliferating fibrous connective tissue. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing OF, particularly when it is located below the mandibular canal, emphasizing the importance of thorough imaging and differential diagnosis to avoid misinterpretation as a static bone cavity.

Maxillary Ossifying Fibroma Managed Using Cosmetically Acceptable Facial Degloving Approach with Iliac Bone Graft Reconstruction

Ossifying fibroma is benign, slowly expansile, painless, well defined fibro-osseous tumour composed of calcified products such as bone, cementum, or both [1]. We opted for a novel approach for the management of ossifying fibroma of maxillary region through scarless midfacial degloving approach with iliac bone graft reconstruction. A 20 years old young female presented with left sided facial swelling involving anterior wall of maxilla and lifting the ala of nose. CT and FNAC suggested a benign lesion. Surgery was performed to remove the tumour completely and managed with scarless midfacial degloving approach with iliac bone graft reconstruction. The iliac crest free flap is an optimal method for maxillary defect reconstruction. The main advantages of the flap are the large amount of bone provided, its height, and the possibility of including the internal oblique muscle [2].

Gingival epithelial cell-derived microvesicles activate mineralization in gingival fibroblasts

Soft tissue calcification occurs in many parts of the body, including the gingival tissue. Epithelial cell-derived MVs can control many functions in fibroblasts but their role in regulating mineralization has not been explored. We hypothesized that microvesicles (MVs) derived from gingival epithelial cells could regulate calcification of gingival fibroblast cultures in osteogenic environment. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were cultured in osteogenic differentiation medium with or without human gingival epithelial cell-derived MV stimulation. Mineralization of the cultures, localization of the MVs and mineral deposits in the HGF cultures were assessed. Gene expression changes associated with MV exposure were analyzed using gene expression profiling and real-time qPCR. Within a week of exposure, epithelial MVs stimulated robust mineralization of HGF cultures that was further enhanced by four weeks. The MVs taken up by the HGF's did not calcify themselves but induced intracellular accumulation of minerals. HGF gene expression profiling after short exposure to MVs demonstrated relative dominance of inflammation-related genes that showed increases in gene expression. In later cultures, OSX, BSP and MMPs were significantly upregulated by the MVs. These results suggest for the first time that epithelial cells maybe associated with the ectopic mineralization process often observed in the soft tissues.

OUP accepted manuscript

We present an interesting case of a young male with incidental finding of a mandibular ossifying fibroma. The patient sustained direct trauma to the mandible which prompted a computer tomography (CT) scan evaluation of the facial bones. The CT scan showed bilateral mandibular fractures with one of the fractures extending through an incidental finding of a 2.3 cm mandibular parasymphyseal lesion. The patient was previously asymptomatic without dental pain, jaw pain or swelling. This case is unique in the fact that the patient has an inherently rare tumor, was asymptomatic prior to his injury, demographically young for the presentation of this size tumor, and highlights the importance of a through trauma workup.