Maxillofacial fibro-osseous lesions

Fibro-osseous lesions are a poorly defined group of lesions affecting the jaws and craniofacial bones. All are characterized by the replacement of bone by cellular fibrous tissue containing foci of mineralization that vary in amount and appearance. Classification and, therefore, diagnosis of these lesions is difficult because there is significant overlap of clinical and histological features. The group includes developmental and reactive or dysplastic lesions as well as neoplasms. Recently a new terminology has emerged that has culminated in the latest WHO classification. The core of this classification is the concept of a spectrum of clinicopathological entities in which the diagnosis can only be made on the basis of a full consideration of clinical, histological and radiological features. This review will describe the salient features of these lesions in an attempt to provide practical guidance for the surgical pathologist.