Peripheral Fibro-osseous Lesion: An Institutional Study of 38 Cases.

Background: The term "peripheral fibro-osseous lesion (PFOL)" is used relatively for common gingival lesions characterized histologically by hypercellular connective tissue showing either new bone-like formations or cementum-like substance and rarely dystrophic calcifications. These lesions are closely related to the other fibro-osseous lesions such as cemental periapical dysplasia, fibrous dysplasia, and other calcifying odontogenic cysts and tumors. The etiology is unknown, but certain authors suggest plaque, dental calculus, and ill-fitting dentures which might be the irritating agents causing irritation to the periodontal ligament which leads to such reactive growth.

Aim: The main aim of the present study is to present the clinicopathological features of a series of cases from the institute of D. Y Patil Deemed to be University, School of Dentistry.

Materials and methods: A total of 38 cases were evaluated over a period of 20 years. The age, size, gender, location, signs and symptoms, irritating agents, and the type of mineralized tissue present in the lesions were evaluated. Modified Gallego's Stain was performed to identify the hard tissues.

Results: The age range of patients (males = 23, females = 15) was 6-71 years (mean = 29.842 years). The lesions had more predisposition for males (males = 60.53%, females = 39.47%). The occurrence of the lesion was more in maxilla with 65% of cases occurring in anterior region.

Conclusion: According to the present study, PFOL has a slight predominance in males, with the mean age being 29.842 years with the highest occurrence in the anterior maxillary arch.