Oral or Dental Fibroma is the most common “Tumor” of the Oral cavity. It is not a true neoplasm but it is a reactive hyperplasia of fibrous connective tissue in response to local irritation or Trauma. Oral Fibroma should be diagnosed properly because certain benign and Malignant Neoplasms also mimic Fibromas in appearance. Hence before setting up a treatment plan it should be established if the present tumor is a benign and harmless Oral Fibroma or any malignant condition.
There are many tests available like Biopsy and aspiration cytology which can help in providing a confirmation depending on the consistency of the tumor. It can also be established with the location of the tumor in the oral cavity. So let us look at the various clinical features and the histological features which help us in identifying the Oral Fibroma.
Synonyms:
- Irritation Fibroma
- Traumatic Fibroma
- Focal Fibrous Hyperplasia
- Fibrous Nodule
Clinical Features:
- Location: Most commonly in the Buccal Mucosa along Bite Line (can occur anywhere in the oral cavity) due to constant prolonged trauma from biting on the cheek. Labial mucosa, Tongue, and Gingiva are also common sites.
- Gingival Fibroma is the result of fibrous maturation of a pre existing pyogenic granuloma. The lesion typically appears as a smooth surface pink nodule that is similar in color to the surrounding mucosa.
- In Black patients – Gray brownish discoloration is seen, Whitish surface – due to hyperkeratosis from continued irritation
- Most Fibromas are “Sessile” some can be Pedunculated.
- Size: Most Fibromas are <1.5 cms
- Symptoms are not seen in normal fibromas unless they are ulcerated due to trauma of the surface.
- M:F Ratio: 1:2
- Age: Irritation Fibromas are more common in 4th to 6th decades of life.
Histopathologic Features:
- Nodular mass of Connective tissue covered with Stratified Squamous Epithelium
- Connective tissue is dense and Collagenized sometimes looser in consistency
- Encapsulation is absent – The Fibrous tissue blends with the surrounding connective tissues
- The collagen bundles may be arranged in a radiating, circular or haphazard fashion
- The covering epithelium often demonstrates atrophy of the rete ridges because of the underlying fibrous mass
- The surface may exhibit hyperkeratosis from secondary trauma
- Scattered inflammation may be seen most often beneath the epithelial surface
- The inflammation is chronic and consists mostly of lymphocytes and plasma cells
Treatment and Prognosis:
- Irritation Fibroma is treated by Conservative Surgical Excision
- Recurrence is very Rare
- Excised tissue should be sent for Microscopic Examination to determine if it is a Fibroma or benign or Malignant Neoplasm.
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