Central Cemento-ossifying Fibroma

Introduction: The term "central cemento-ossifying fibroma" has caused significant confusion due to its marked similarity with other fibro-osseous lesions and fibrous dysplasia of bone. Few major differences are that the cell undergoing the differentiation in ossifying fibroma is the osteoblast and the cementoblast in the cemento-ossifying fibroma. Further, the ossifying fibroma and the cemento-ossifying fibroma could simply represent two facets of the same basic lesion. This case report discusses the case of a central cemento-ossifying fibroma and its marked similarity/dissimilarity to a fibro-osseous lesion. Case report: A 40-year-old female came to the outpatient department (OPD) with a nontender, hard, diffuse swelling extending anteriorly from the midline of the chin and posteriorly 4 cm away from the angle of mandible. Lingually, swelling extended from 42 to 46, measuring 5 x 4 cm approx, surrounding areas and overlying mucosa were normal. Mandibular occlusal radiograph exhibited bicortical expansion. Provisional diagnosis was given as cemento-ossifying fibroma. Management and prognosis: The entire tumor mass was resected completely under general anesthesia, including involved regions of the mandible followed by bone grafting. Conclusion: The circumscribed nature of the ossifying fibroma permits the enucleation of the tumor with relative ease. Large lesions that cause considerable bone destruction may require resection with bone grafting.