Giant cell fibroma: A clinicopathological study

OBJECTIVE: Giant cell fibromas (GCF) of the oral cavity are found predominantly in Caucasians and rarely in other races. This retrospective study was done to evaluate the clinicopathological features of GCFs in a sample of Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 21 oral GCF cases were investigated from the year 1995 to 2010. Clinical data and microscopic features were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 39years. Oral GCF occurred in patients between 6 and 67 years of age. The lesions were 4-17 mm in greatest dimension. GCF frequently has the provisional diagnosis of fibroma or papilloma. All tumors were treated by total surgical excision and no recurrence was reported. The consistent and diagnostic feature was the presence of large stellate giant cells, usually with one or two nuclei. Multinucleated giant cells were seen occasionally. These giant cells were most numerous in the connective tissue beneath the epithelium. CONCLUSION: Though there are distinct histopathologic features for GCF, its clinical presentation and prognosis are similar to the conventional fibroma/fibroepithelial polyp.