Giant cell fibroma: A clinicopathological study

Abstract

Objective:Giant cell fibromas (GCF) of the oral cavity are found predominantly in Caucasians and rarely in other races. This retrospective study was done to evaluate the clinicopathological features of GCFs in a sample of Indian population.Materials and Methods:21 oral GCF cases were investigated from the year 1995 to 2010. Clinical data and microscopic features were reviewed and analyzed.Results:The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 39years. Oral GCF occurred in patients between 6 and 67 years of age. The lesions were 4-17 mm in greatest dimension. GCF frequently has the provisional diagnosis of fibroma or papilloma. All tumors were treated by total surgical excision and no recurrence was reported. The consistent and diagnostic feature was the presence of large stellate giant cells, usually with one or two nuclei. Multinucleated giant cells were seen occasionally. These giant cells were most numerous in the connective tissue beneath the epithelium.Conclusion:Though there are distinct histopathologic features for GCF, its clinical presentation and prognosis are similar to the conventional fibroma/fibroepithelial polyp.

Giant Cell Fibroma in Children: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

“…Most cases reported in the literature regarding children under the age of 10 were Caucasian, as well as both of the cases reported in the current article (Table 2) [7,18-20]. …”

“…It is found exclusively in the gingiva, possibly causing superficial resorption of the alveolar ridge [6], whereas GCF can also occur in different areas of the oral mucosa [9]. Focal fibrous hyperplasia (fibrous epulis) has similar clinical appearance; however the absence of giant cells which are typical histopathological finding in GCF can set the diagnosis [18]. Peripheral odontogenic fibroma and odontogenic hamartoma are rare entities typified by the presence of odontogenic epithelium at the microscopic level [12].…”

“…As far as the treatment of GCF is concerned, a conservative surgical excision is usually curative [3,6,8,9] and is the treatment of choice in most cases reported in the literature regarding children under the age of 10 [7,18,20,22,24,25]. Electrosurgery is another option and has been used in paediatric dentistry in various procedures such as frenectomy, incision of hyperplastic gingiva, biopsies and pulpotomy [19,26].…”

“…However, recall visits are necessary to ensure the absence of recurrence [19]. If the lesion is left untreated it may continue to proliferate [1,9] but its benign nature certifies limited growth potential [18,21]. Moreover, GCF in contrast to other gingival lesions, such as the peripheral ossifying fibroma, has never been reported to cause migration of teeth or inter-dental resorption of the alveolar ridge [6].…”

Giant-cell fibroma: Understanding the nature of the melanin-laden cells

“…[ 3 ] The name alludes to the characteristic cells present in the fibrous stroma that it is characterized by the presence of large stellate-shaped multinucleated fibroblasts that tend to occur near the overlying epithelium. [ 4 ] The etiology of giant-cell fibroma remains unknown and there is no evidence to support its association due to chronic irritation. [ 5 ] The lesion represents approximately 2%–5% of all fibrous lesions and 0.4%–1% of total biopsies, although higher percentage of its occurrence has also been reported (10.6% and 2.7%, respectively).…”