Juvenile ossifying fibroma of the maxilla

Abstract

Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF), is a rare fibro-osseous neoplasm that arises within the craniofacial bones in individuals under 15 years of age. The term is used in the literature to describe two distinct histopathologic variants of ossifying fibroma of the craniofacial skeleton. It was described as a cellular and aggressive form of ossifying fibroma usually affecting children as 'the lesion proliferates, grows, invades and destroys tissue until the eyes are extruded and the cerebrospinal space is entered'. In the present case, because the lesion was well circumscribed and it was non-infi ltrating into the adjacent bone and causing cosmetic and functional problems, surgical excision of the tumour mass was performed. A satisfactory facial appearance and an optimal restoration of function were achieved after the surgical procedure. After 3 months of follow-up, there was no recurrence. © 2011 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.