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Objectives: Gingiva is one of the supporting tissues around the teeth that can be affected by various neoplastic or nonneoplastic lesions. Previous studies have examined several types of gingival lesions, but the lack of a standardized classification system has hindered meaningful comparisons. Additionally, many studies focused primarily on reactive lesions. Our study aims to contribute to the understanding of gingival lesions by investigating their prevalence across age groups, genders, sites, and by their clinical presentation. This research could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment strategies., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study explores the prevalence of gingival lesions based on biopsies during a 22-year span. The patient's demographic details, including age, gender, and lesion's clinical presentation were systematically collected. These lesions were categorized into six groups. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 test of independence, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis., Results: Among the 7668 biopsied lesions, 684 (8.9%) lesions were located in the gingiva, with a greater occurrence in women (63.5%). Soft tissue tumors represented the most prevalent group in the gingival lesions (72.1%), and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) was the most frequent lesion (21.2%), followed by, pyogenic granuloma (19.3%), peripheral ossifying fibroma (17.8%) and focal fibrous hyperplasia (7.6%); all of which predominantly affected women, with mean ages falling in the fourth decade of life. Squamous cell carcinoma was recognized as the most common malignancy., Conclusion: In this study, PGCG was found to be the most common lesion in the gingiva in Iranian population. Further analysis using a unanimous categorization is required to confirm these results., (© 2024 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Dental Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: gingival/alveolar mucosal reactive hyperplastic lesions (GRHL), including fibrous hyperplasia (FH), pyogenic granuloma (PG), peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) and peripheral giant cell lesion (PGCL), are a common group of oral diseases. The aim of the present study was to access the frequency and distribution of the clinical and histological features of these disorders in a Brazilian population., Material and Methods: all specimens diagnosed as GRHL in three Oral Pathology laboratories were selected for the study. Clinical information was retrieved from the laboratory biopsy forms and hematoxylin and eosin stained histological slides were reviewed for analysis of the histological characteristics., Results: final sample was composed of 996 specimens, including 463 FH (47%), 280 PG (28%), 183 POF (18%) and 70 PGCL (7%). Females were more affected by FH, PG, and POF, and most cases affected adults with mean ages ranging from 40 to 53 years. FH, PG, and POF were more common in the upper gingiva/alveolar mucosa. Most PG, POF and PGCL were pedunculated, in contrast with FH (p<0.001). PG, FH and POF were mostly red or normal mucosal in color, while PGCL were mostly red/purple (p<0.001). PGCL were larger, followed by POF, FH and PG (p<0.001). Some histological features were characteristically found in some conditions, but they were also encountered in other lesions with variable frequencies., Conclusions: Oral medicine specialists, oral pathologists and periodontists are usually the professionals in contact with patients presenting GRHL and it is of upmost relevance that they should be familiarized with their clinical and histological profile.

Background: To analyze the clinicopathological features of different histological subtypes of epulis, and evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrence., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study including 2971 patients was performed. The patients' sex, age, location, size, histological subtypes, recurrence information, oral hygiene habits, periodontitis symptoms and smoking history were retrieved from the patient medical records and follow-up information., Results: Among the 2971 cases, focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH) was the most common lesion (60.92%), followed by peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) (29.32%), pyogenic granuloma (PG) (8.08%) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) (1.68%). The peak incidence of epulis was in the third and fourth decade of life, with a mean age of 45.55 years. Female predominance was found in all types of lesions with a female to male ratio of 1.71:1. PG had the highest recurrence rate (17.18%), followed by POF (12.98%), FFH (9.55%) and PGCG (8.82%). Histological subtypes were significantly correlated with the recurrence of epulis (P = 0.013). Regular supportive periodontal therapy (P = 0.050) had a negative correlation with recurrence, whereas symptoms of periodontitis (P < 0.001) had a positive correlation with the recurrence of epulis., Conclusions: Controlling the periodontal inflammation and regular supportive periodontal therapy might help reduce the recurrence of epulis., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Purpose: Benign fibro-osseous lesions (BFOLs) are heterogeneous intraosseous disease processes sharing overlapping histopathologic features and demonstrate a wide range of biological behavior. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of clinical and radiological findings for the definitive histopathologic diagnosis of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws., Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective study evaluating the three main groups of BFOLs: Cemento-osseous dysplasia, ossifying fibromas, and fibrous dysplasia. Previously diagnosed BFOL cases were searched for thoroughly from the archives of Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology, Department of Tumor Pathology in between 2005 and 2015. Clinical and radiological data of these cases were identified and recorded. The histopathologic features were reevaluated from the H&E-stained slides., Results: A total of 276 BFOL cases were identified and reevaluated for the study. The most common BFOL type was cemento-osseous dysplasia (n = 135), followed by cemento-ossifying fibroma (n = 77), fibrous dysplasia (n = 53) and juvenile ossifying fibroma (n = 11). The female/male ratio was 3.4:1 with a strong predilection for the 4th decade (n = 102). The mandible (n = 209) was the predominantly affected jaw. Prominent osteoblastic rimming around the bony lesion was commonly observed for cemento-ossifying fibroma (n = 60/77), followed by cemento-osseous dysplasia (n = 23/135). Predominant ossification patterns showed some differences among the groups. The most common radiological feature was the mixed radiolucent/radiopaque internal structure., Conclusion: Our results document various clinical, radiological and histopathologic findings of BFOLs. Even some histopathologic differences are observed, clinical and radiographic correlation is mandatory prior to the definitive histopathologic diagnosis of BFOLs for the prevention of possible misdiagnoses or inappropriate treatments., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign tumor of the jaws, which belongs to the group of fibro-osseous lesions, and exhibits slowly progressive growth leading to jaw expansion with well-defined borders., Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological characteristics of OFs and their treatment., Materials and Methods: A 5-year retrospective study was done. The case notes of subjects were retrieved, analyzed, and evaluated. Relevant information about patients was categorized into bio-data, clinical, and radiological. The diagnosis of lesion was made histopathologically by the oral pathologist., Results: Forty- five patients' case notes were retrieved and analyzed and the patients' age ranged from 2 to 70 years (mean 29.4 ± 16.9). Majority of the patients (55.5%; P = 0.23) were 10-29 years. There were 16 (35.6%) males and 29 (64.4%) females giving a male: female ratio of 1:1.8 (P = 0.01). The cross-sectional dimension of the tumors measured vertically and horizontally ranges from 1 cm 2 to 420 cm 2 (mean = 54.7 cm 2 ± 82.9). There were 60% in the maxilla and 40% in the mandible (P = 0.014). Most of the lesions (68.9%; P = 0.01) showed patchy opacity and cotton wool appearances. Majority of the lesions were extirpated by enucleation alone (P = 0.01)., Conclusion: The prevalence of OF among the fibro-osseous lesions was 51.0% while against other benign lesions, it was 16.0%. In conclusion, contrary to most other reports across the globe, this lesion in southeast Nigeria occurred more frequently in the maxilla than mandible., Competing Interests: None

Background: Reactive localized hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity (RHLs) are relatively common peripheral lesions which present as a range of clinically similar lesions at dental centers. Diagnosis can be challenging if dentists are unfamiliar with their clinicopathological across various populations., Objective: This study reviews the pattern of distribution of RHLs of the oral mucosa in a hospital- the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife., Materials and Methods: We reviewed 10 years data from the archives of the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Pathology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. Information on RHLs were extracted and recorded on standardized data forms and analyzed using STATA., Results: The most common lesions were pyogenic granuloma (43.7%) and focal fibrous hyperplasia (39.7%), respectively. RHLs were found to be more frequent in women (66.7%) than men (33.3%). The most common locations of involvement was the gingivae (84.6%), and lesions were more common in the 9-29 year age group and the mean age was 37.7 (±21.1) years. The relationship between age group and reactive lesions was however not statistically significant., Conclusion: The major benefit of this study is an improved knowledge of the frequency and distribution of oral reactive lesions in sub-Saharan Africa which may be highly beneficial when establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan in clinical practice.

Our practice in a humanitarian (or crisis) context differs from what we experience in daily practice. There are several reasons for this. First, the diseases encountered are sometimes unfamiliar, such as sequelae of noma, or the presentation of familiar diseases may be unusual, such as facial malformations seen at a late stage. Secondly, these missions take place in developing countries, and consequently, evaluation and anticipation of possible malnutrition should be considered, especially because facial diseases themselves may be responsible for nutritional problems. Lastly, conditions are often difficult, occurring in an unusual environment, and we sometimes have to face communication and equipment problems. The goal of our work, based on a 15-year experience (in Bamako and Mopti with the Association "Santé et Développement", and in Ouagadougou with the organization "Les enfants du noma") and the analysis of literature, is to point out these features and maybe to be helpful to others., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws are a diagnostic challenge for the pathologist because histologically, they are not easily distinguishable. African data on the prevalence of these lesions are scarce. We present a 5-year report of benign fibro-osseous lesions at Mulago Hospital, Uganda, showing the frequency and distribution of these lesions., Materials and Methods: Confirmed fibro-osseous lesions reports at the pathology department (2007-2012) were retrieved. Patients' clinical data including age, gender, anatomic location, and diagnosis were recorded. Descriptive statistics and simple proportion tests were carried out., Results: We retrieved 155 confirmed benign fibro-osseous lesions over this period, 65% were females, 34% males, and the gender of one case was not specified. Fibrous dysplasia was the most prevalent lesion (n = 87, 56.1%) followed by ossifying fibroma (n = 50, 32.9%) and osseous dysplasia (n = 17, 10.9%). We neither found craniofacial nor polyostotic fibrous dysplasia. Fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma peaked in the second decade at 40.2% and 40.0%, respectively. Florid osseous dysplasia was commonest in the fifth decade., Conclusion: In this study, all the florid osseous dysplasia were seen among females. We need to carry out prospective studies to establish as to why and what kind of women get afflicted by this lesion., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: This study aims at contributing to the definitive diagnosis of ossifying fibroma (OF) based on histomorphological features. The study also aims to determine some demographic features of OF, common sites of occurrence and to determine whether behavior correlates well with the histomorphological variations seen in the lesion., Materials and Methods: A total of 80 patients who were diagnosed either as cementifying fibroma CF, OF and cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) of the jaws from the files of the Oral Pathology Department of the University of the Witwatersrand Dental School were retrieved and the histology slides of each case were reviewed with the most recent diagnostic criteria for OF and the authors additional criteria. A total of 56 cases that met the set criteria were analyzed., Results: The patients were clustered within the third and fourth decades of life ( n = 39, 69.6%). Majority of the patients were black (83.93%), whereas the rest were whites (12.50%) and Asians (3.57%). There were 17 males (30.4%) and 39 females (69.6%), giving a male to female ratio of 1:2.3. Most of the lesions (70.3%) occurred in the mandible, involving the premolar molar region (56.7%). Scanty fibrous tissues in highly cellular lesions were found in 36 (64.3%) of the cases. There were globular, dystrophic or granular calcifications mixed with irregularly shaped trabeculae of lamellar or cellular woven bone or osteoid were found, in 36 (64.3%) cases., Conclusion: Demographic data, clinicoradiologic features, combined with histopathology will continue to be relevant in the definitive diagnosis of OF and in predicting its behavior. Highly aggressive lesions with shorter duration in people below 15 years were called juvenile OF and treated as such, while OF applies to other conventional ones.

Benign fibro-osseous lesion (BFOL) is a distinct group of jaw entities composed of fibrocellular tissue and mineralized materials. In this study, we examined the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features of patients with BFOL. Records and microslides of 207 BFOLs submitted to pathology service were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, fibrous dysplasia (FD) was the most prevalent (36.7%), followed by ossifying fibroma (OF; 32.4%), osseous dysplasia (OD; 24.6%), and juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF; 6.3%). Female predilection was noted. FD and JOF were common in maxilla, whereas most OF and OD affected the mandible. Most patients with FD and OF presented with painless swelling, while patients with OD were symptomless. The majority of FD specimens showed woven bone, while a mixture of woven bone and cementum-like materials was often noted in OF and OD. Our data show variations in the clinicopathologic features of BFOLs. A thorough examination of all aspects of BFOL patients is imperative for accurate diagnosis., (© The Author(s) 2013.)

Introduction: Fibro-osseous lesions, a diverse group of bone disorders including developmental, reactive or dysplastic diseases and neoplasms, share overlapping clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features and demonstrate a wide range of biological behaviour., Aim: To evaluate the characteristics, treatment and outcome of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws in children., Patients and Method: All patients with fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws treated at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the «A & P Kyriakou» Children's Hospital of Athens from 2000 to 2011 were included in this study. Data were retrieved from patients' files and their present situation was registered., Results: Sixteen males and 10 females (mean age 8.5 years) were treated. Fibrous dysplasia was most often encountered (26.9%), and the mandible was the most frequent location (76.9%). All cases were surgically treated and histopathologically confirmed. Marginal ostectomy was performed in 7 cases, partial ostectomy in 4, enucleation and curettage in 10 and trimming-remodelling in 5 cases. Mean follow-up was of 5.5 years with no recurrence, except in one case of fibrous dysplasia., Conclusions: Fibro-osseous lesions, although sharing similar microscopic features, exhibit a variety of clinical behaviour rendering their treatment highly individualized., (Copyright © 2012 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to report the clinicopathologic and radiologic features of 143 benign fibro-osseous lesions (BFOLs)., Study Design: Clinical and radiologic information were retrieved from the patients files, and histologic features were reviewed from hematoxylin and eosin-stained histologic slides., Results: There were 22 ossifying fibromas (OFs), 21 fibrous dysplasias (FDs) and 100 osseous dysplasias (ODs; 65 florid, 18 focal, and 17 periapical). The mean age of the FD/OF patients was a decade lower than those with OD. The mandible was more affected than the maxilla, except in FDs. All FDs and OFs presented local swelling, whereas this was observed in <40% of the ODs. Radiologic images of the florid/periapical ODs and OFs were predominantly mixed, whereas FDs and focal ODs were predominantly radiopaque., Conclusions: Florid OD, OF, and FD were the most common diagnoses, and the clinicopathologic and radiologic features were somewhat distinct from the characteristics of other populations., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To explore the demographic characteristics and clinical features among patients with osseous (cemento-osseous) dysplasia (OD/COD) of the jaws and to determine the frequency of particular radiographic characteristics., Methods: The charts and radiographic reports of 118 patients with OD/COD, obtained from the archives of the University of Toronto discipline of oral and maxillofacial radiology, were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data, radiographic findings and final diagnoses were collected and analyzed to determine typical characteristics., Results: Of the 117 patients for whom age and sex were known, the majority (97 [82.9%]) were female; these female patients had a mean age (± standard deviation) of 44.3 ± 13.4 years. Eighty-three (72.2%) of the 115 patients for whom symptoms were known were clinically asymptomatic. Ninety-three patients (78.8%) had OD/COD at single sites (i.e., periapical OD/COD), and 25 (21.2%) had OD/COD at multiple sites (i.e., florid OD/COD). In addition, 15 (12.7%) of the cases were associated with one or more simple bone cysts, and 13 (11.0%) were associated with osteomyelitis. In most cases, the OD/COD was unilateral, with the lesion being located in the mandible, usually associated only with the posterior teeth. The lesions exhibited well-defined, sclerotic or corticated margins (108 patients [91.5%]) and were surrounded by a radiolucent border. Minimal effects on surrounding structures were observed. As well, 85 (72.0%) of the lesions were in the mixed radiolucent-radiopaque stage, with dense, cementum-like radiopacities., Conclusions: The majority of cases of OD/COD occurred in women in the fifth decade of life, and most cases were asymptomatic. OD/COD was more likely to present as solitary lesions but also occurred in association with simple bone cysts or osteomyelitis.

Purpose: Chronic irritation of the gingiva causes localized reactive hyperplastic lesions (LRHLs), which are classified into: peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF); peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG); pyogenic granuloma (PG); and focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH). The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of localized reactive hyperplastic lesions in Israeli children and adolescents., Methods: All consecutive archival LRHL biopsies of the gingiva between 1989 and 2008 were included. Lesions were analyzed according to location and patients' age and gender. Our findings were compared to pediatric and all-age data in publications from other countries., Results: Of 233 gingival LRHL specimens, POFs were most common (33%), followed by PGs (25%), FFHs (23%) and PGCGs (20%). PGs and FFHs were more common in females, and PGCG were more common in males. POFs showed no gender predilection. PGCGs and FFHs were distributed almost equally between the maxilla and mandible, while POFs and PGs were more common in the maxilla. Comparing data to other countries was problematic because there were so few dedicated to the pediatric population and because of inconsistencies in data presentation., Conclusions: Pediatric dentists should be aware of gingival LRHLs, because they are not uncommon among children.

Background: The gingiva reacts to chronic irritation or trauma with localized reactive hyperplastic lesions (LRHL) that can be classified into four groups: focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH), pyogenic granuloma (PG), peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF), and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG). This study determined the frequency of LRHL in an oral pathology biopsy service and compared these data with reports from other countries., Methods: The material included the biopsies of all consecutive LRHL of the gingiva stored in the departmental database (1989-2008). Lesions were analyzed according to their location and to the patients' age and gender. The findings were compared with those published in studies from other countries., Results: There were 1675 LRHL that comprised 6.7% of the 25,106 accessed biopsies. FFH was the most common (31.8%), followed by PG (29.1%), POF (20.4%), and PGCG (18.7%). POF tended to affect younger patients than did FFH, PG, and PGCG. FFH, PG, and POF were more common in women, while PGCG showed no gender predilection. PG and POF were more common in the maxilla, PGCG more common in the mandible and FFH was distributed equally between the jaws. The anterior region of the maxilla was the most prevalent site for FFH, PG, and POF., Conclusion: The results of this study differ somewhat from those of other countries. There is a need for further investigation to answer the question whether the differences can be attributed to geographic or ethnic factors and/or to small sample sizes of the reported studies., (© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Objectives: The aim was to evaluate the principal features of ossifying fibroma (OF) by systematic review (SR), and to compare their frequencies among four global groups., Methods: The databases searched were the PubMed interface of MEDLINE and LILACS. Only those reports of OFs that occurred in a series in the reporting authors' caseload were considered. All cases were confirmed fibro-osseous lesions histopathologically. The SR-included series had also to have used radiographs., Results: Of the 64 reports (including the Hong Kong report) considered, 32 reports and a total of 781 cases were included in the SR. Ten SR-included series were in languages other than English. OF affected females more frequently, but was three times more prevalent in the mandible. The mean age at first presentation was 31 years. The decade with the greatest frequency was the fourth. Females were in the majority except in the first decade. The main symptom in 66% of all SR-included cases was swelling (including deformation of the jaws). 31% were found incidentally. 84% of cases displayed buccolingual expansion; half of the mandibular cases exhibited downward displacement of the lower border of the mandible and 90% of maxillary cases involved the maxillary antrum. Only 28% of reports included follow-up; 12% of cases recurred or were reactivated., Conclusions: Although long-term follow-up of large series that would have revealed the long-term outcomes of OF was lacking, a 12% recurrence rate is clinically significant and suggests that OFs should be considered for long-term follow-up.

Aim: The present study examined retrospectively the clinical and radiographic characteristics of pyogenic granuloma (PG), peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF), located in the gingiva and alveolar ridge., Methods: Biopsy records of the Stomatology Service of São Lucas Hospital-PUCRS were reviewed between 1980 and 2006. The medical charts of patients with histopathologic diagnosis of PG, PGCG and POF were selected. The data obtained were evaluated by means of descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the chi-squared test (chi-squared), considering the 5% level of significance., Results: Of the 138 cases analyzed, 57.2% corresponded to PG, 22.5% to PGCG and 20.3% to POF. PG and POF exhibited a predilection for females and PGCG for males. PG occurred in younger individuals and showed a greater tendency for bleeding (P=0.018). PG showed a greater frequency of reddish color (P<0.001), PGCG purplish (P<0.001) and POF pinkish (P<0.001). In the radiographic examination, the presence of radiopaque foci was greater in POF (P<0.001), and resorption of the subjacent alveolar bone was found more often in PGCG (P<0.001). POF exhibited a longer evolution. There was no difference in lesions with respect to local irritating factors, ulceration, size, site and recurrence. Pregnancy was a factor linked to PG., Conclusion: Despite the lesions investigated exhibit similar clinical characteristics, the present study demonstrated that aspects such as age of the patient and evolution, color, bleeding and radiographic characteristics can help in the differential diagnosis of these lesions.

Objective: To identify the clinicopathologic features of epulides in West China and to compare these data with those of previous studies from other countries., Method and Materials: Demographics; clinical data including gender, age, and chief complaints of the patients; and the type, size and location, duration, diagnosis, and histologic features of the lesion were studied from among biopsy specimens and clinical records at West China College of Stomatology from January 1951 to July 2005., Results: A total of 2,439 epulides were identified. Epulides found were peripheral fibroma (PF: 1,489, 61.05%), peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF: 431, 17.67%), pyogenic granuloma (PG: 482, 19.76%), and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG: 37, 1.52%). The total ratio of males to females was 1:1.40. Specifically, the ratios were 1:1.31 for PF, 1:1.99 for PG, and 1:1.47 for PGCG (all P < .001). The peak incidence of epulides fell in the third to sixth decade of life overall, the fifth to sixth decade for PF and POF, and the third to fourth decade for PG., Conclusions: Among the 4 kinds of reactive lesions, PF had the highest incidence and PG had the lowest incidence in Chinese patients. There were also differences in type, sex, age, location, duration, and histologic features: PF was the most common type; all of the epulides except PGCG showed a predilection for females; PG was more prevalent among young patients; and POF lasted much longer than other lesions. Differences in the distribution of the 4 types of lesion were also found among various ethnic groups.

We retrieved and analysed the records of 527 odontogenic tumours from a total of 62,565 cases in the department of tumour pathology in the Institute of Oncology, University of Istanbul, from 1971 to 2003. Of these 527 tumours, 521 were benign and 6 were malignant. The most common lesions were ameloblastomas (n=133) followed by odontomas (n=109), odontogenic myxomas (n=83) and others. There were more female patients (n=278, 53%) than male, and nearly half the patients (n=253, 48%) were between the ages of 10 and 29 years. The posterior mandible was the commonest site (n=184, 35%), followed by the premolar area of the mandible (n=98, 19%), and the anterior maxilla (n=84, 16%).

The frequency and distribution of 183 consecutive cases of biopsied gingival lesions from northern Jordanians are presented here. Lesions were analyzed for age and sex of subject and location and type of lesion. Neoplasms accounted for 9% of biopsies (7% benign, 3% malignant). The most frequent neoplasm was peripheral ossifying fibroma. The maximum number of benign neoplasms occurred in patients aged 20 to 39 years, and malignant neoplasms did not occur in patients younger than 30 years. Nonneoplastic lesions accounted for 91% of cases; they comprised nine types, with pyogenic granuloma being the most frequent. The frequency and distribution of gingival lesions in north Jordan are similar to those found in other countries. Additional nationwide multicenter studies are needed to describe all aspects of epidemiology of gingival lesions in Jordan.

Objective: It is intended to analyse all the cases of benign fibro-osseous lesions seen at the two major public hospitals in Jamaica over a 15-year period and to compare our result with what has been previously documented by other authors. No such analysis has been carried out in Jamaica or elsewhere in the English-speaking Caribbean., Materials and Methods: The case files of patients histologically diagnosed to have a fibro-osseous lesion at both the Kingston Public Hospital and the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Jamaica from 1980 to 1995 were retrieved and information about these lesions was documented. The WHO classification for benign fibro-osseous lesions was used., Results: A total of 32 cases of benign fibro-osseous lesions were recorded over the 15-year period. Of these, 15 were histologically reported as fibrous dysplasia, 10 as ossifying fibroma, three as gigantiform cementoma, one each as periapical cemental dysplasia and cementoblastoma, and two cases of recurrent fibrous dysplasia. With the exception of gigantiform cementoma the age at presentation for these lesions is not consistent and this can be particularly noted for ossifying fibroma and fibrous dysplasia, both of which occurred between the age of 10 and 68 years., Conclusion: These lesions are more common in females, furthermore it is suggested that the inconsistent age at presentation for some of these lesions may be peculiar to Jamaica, and may be due to delay in reporting a lesion by the patient, as routine dental examination is not a common practice.

Objective: To determine the clinical and radiological features of cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) in a Chinese population., Methods: Twenty cases of COF found in Chinese patients for whom the clinical notes, radiographs and histopathology reports were available, were reviewed to determine their clinical and radiological features. Overall size was measured digitally from the radiographs., Results: All COFs occurred in females and most frequently in the third and fourth decades. Seventeen COFs were in the mandible and three in the maxilla. Eighteen COFs had well-defined margins and were round or avoid in shape. Four were radiolucent and 15 mixed density. COFs tended to be smaller in women in their early to middle-40s and larger in older women., Conclusions: The clinical and radiological features of this Chinese series were broadly consistent with those of non-Chinese populations reported previously. The principal difference was that all 20 patients were female.

This retrospective review presents our experience of oral and maxillofacial tumours in children. The subjects were 250 children under the age of 15 years (out of a total of 2747 patients with oral and maxillofacial tumours), who were treated after histopathological confirmation of their diagnoses during the 28 years 1965-92. Diagnosis, incidence, and age at presentation were the main outcome measures and the results showed that 232 patients (93%) had benign tumours and 18 (7%) were malignant. The most common benign tumour was haemangioma (n = 69) and the most common malignant tumour sarcoma (n = 14). The most common odontogenic tumour was odontoma (n = 47) and non-odontogenic tumour ossifying fibroma (n = 5). The most common site of soft tissue tumours was the tongue (n = 65) and of bony tumours the mandible (n = 62). About a third of the tumours developed in patients between the ages of 6 and 11 years. Most of the angiomas developed in patients less than 6 years old, and most of the ameloblastomas in those over 12 years of age. Children accounted for 55% of patients with lymphangoma, 41% of those with odontoma, and 22% of those with haemangioma. It is concluded that most of these lesions were probably developmental malformations rather than neoplasms, and that the definition of oral and maxillofacial tumours in children should be reconsidered.