Biting Fibroma of the Lower Lip: A Case Report and Literature Review on an Irritation Fibroma Occurring at the Traumatic Site of a Tooth Bite

Abstract

Biting fibroma, an irritation fibroma or traumatic fibroma associated with a history of a prior lesion-related tooth bite or biting injury at the site, is a commonly acquired benign reactive lesion of the oral cavity. It is usually an asymptomatic, small, mucosa-colored, smooth, pedunculated or sessile papule. A biting fibroma is most commonly located on the buccal mucosa, followed by, in decreasing frequency, on the tongue or lip or hard palate or gingiva. It typically presents as a solitary lesion; however, it can appear as multiple lesions. Excision is the treatment of choice for a biting fibroma; however, the resolution of the lesion-associated chronic inflammation is also necessary to prevent a recurrence. The clinical history, lesion morphology, and pathology findings of an illustrative patient with a biting fibroma were included in this case report. An 80-year-old woman was described who developed a biting fibroma at the site of a tooth bite on her lower lip. An excisional biopsy not only confirmed the suspected diagnosis of a biting fibroma but also successfully treated her condition by removing the lesion; there was no recurrence. In conclusion, the diagnosis of a biting fibroma should be considered when a patient presents with a new intraoral lesion, particularly if associated with an acute injury or chronic inflammation of the site. Since the clinical differential diagnosis of a biting fibroma includes various other benign conditions and less common malignant neoplasms, a biopsy that removes the lesion may not only establish the diagnosis but also potentially provide adequate treatment.