Oral giant cell fibroma-expect the unexpected

Abstract

Giant Cell Fibroma (GCF) is a unique, non-neoplastic, fibrous hyperplastic soft tissue lesion of the oral mucosa. It was first described as a separate entity by Weathers and Callihan in 1974. It represents approximately 2%–5% of all fibrous lesions. The clinical appearance of the majority of non-neoplastic fibrous growths are similar, but their unique histopathological feature characterized by stellate shaped fibroblasts aids in their final diagnosis. GCF is frequently involves the gingiva, tongue and the buccal mucosa. Eversole, Rovin compared and contrasted 279 fibrous hyperplastic gingival lesions, before Weather and Callihan's description of GCF, they had compared and highlighted 279 fibrous lesions which were: pyogenic granuloma, peripheral gingival fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, and peripheral ossifying fibroma. Each has its own diagnostic histopathologic characteristics but exhibit overlap of clinical presentation. It occurs as a localized reactive proliferation of fibrous tissue, which resembles irritation fibroma rather than a neoplastic proliferation. Here, we report a case of giant cell fibroma with clinical characteristics and histopathologic features that helped us to differentiate it from other fibrous hyperplastic lesions.