Ossifying fibroma in a Hong Kong community: the clinical and radiological features and outcomes of treatment

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the principal clinical and radiological features of a consecutive series of cases of ossifying fibroma (OF) affecting a Hong Kong Chinese community and to determine their outcome by follow-up. METHODS: All cases were accompanied by appropriate radiography and were histopathologically confirmed as fibro-osseous lesions. RESULTS: The clinical and radiological presentations, differential diagnoses and outcomes of follow-up of 24 consecutive patients with OFs were reviewed. All patients were female. The mean age at first presentation was 38.0 years. The oldest reported patient first presenting with OF was 80 years old. Most OFs (58%) were discovered incidentally. The maxilla and mandible were affected in 4 and 20 cases, respectively. Only 7 cases, out of the 15 cases for which provisional diagnosis was available, included OF. 16 patients were followed up for a mean of 5.3 years, of whom 12 discharged themselves after a mean of 3.0 years. Only one lesion recurred. CONCLUSIONS: OF in this community predominantly affects females. Although gynaecological history was not included in the clinical notes, there is a clear possibility of reactivation of OF growth at the menopause. Other potentially important contributing factors are 'traditional Chinese medicine' and the progressive reduction in the degree of water fluoridation. Although most patients were followed up, this was only for a few years. Nevertheless, one case actually recurred during follow-up. Therefore, patients with OF should be encouraged to maintain follow-up for a longer period.