Benign mesenchymal odontogenic tumors of the maxillofacial bones: A report of 3 cases with 3 years follow-up.

ABSTRACT

Benign mesenchymal odontogenic tumors are lesions derived from the mesenchymal components of the tooth-forming apparatus and are consequently found within the jawbone. Benign fibro-osseous tumors are part of this category of lesions in which normal bone is substituted, initially by fibrous tissue and within time become infiltrated by osteoid and cementoid elements. They are asymptomatic, slow-growing lesions and remain undiagnosed until swelling of the face becomes prominent and they share similar radiological characteristics. Herein, we report three cases of ossifying fibroma, cemento-osseous fibroma and periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia and analyze all the correlating factors, clinical history, radiological and histological features, intraoperative appearance, and treatment with a 3-year follow-up period. Despite the advances in the identification of these pathologies, clinicians still face difficulties in their classification and the diagnosis due to overlap in both histological and radiographic findings. An accurate final diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and an informative prognosis.