A Retrospective Analysis of Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma in an Iranian Population

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the relative frequency of peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POdF) in an Iranian population and to compare the obtained data with previous reports.Materials and MethodsArchival material was retrospectively analyzed from 1967 to 2007, and all microscopic slides of lesions considered in the differential diagnosis of POdF were retrieved. A diagnosis of POdF was made according to the criteria described by the World Health Organization in 2005. Demographic data, including age, gender, site of involvement, and previous history of POdF, were recorded for all samples with a diagnosis of this neoplasm.ResultsNineteen POdFs were identified, which accounted for 0.14% of the archival cases. One of these tumors was a recurrence, diagnosed 12 months earlier. All cases were of the epithelium-rich or World Health Organization histologic subtype and most tumors occurred in the mandible. No significant difference in the prevalence of POdF was found between the studied variables. Among the 18 primary neoplasms, follow-up was possible for 2 to 13 years in 6 cases, and none developed recurrence.ConclusionSimilar to previous investigations, this study shows that POdFs are uncommon odontogenic lesions. Detailed information on POdF is limited because of its rarity; therefore, this study may provide additional data for further investigations and may enable better understanding of this tumor.