Clinical, radiological and histological correlation in the diagnostic work-up of cemento-ossifying fibroma of the maxilla: case report

Cemento-ossifying fibroma is a relatively rare tumor classified between fibro-osseous lesions. This lesion appears within the bone although in some occasions it involves the gingivae soft tissues. It is a slow growing and well-defined tumorous lesion, because of this, it is considered as a benign lesion. We report a case of a young female presenting a mass in the right cheek. The evolution of the process was 4 years. She was treated with surgical resection via a Weber-Fergusson approach. The histology was that of a benign fibro-osseous proliferation composed of bony spicules and spherules admixed with a fibrous stroma. Clinical and radiological information was essential for the final diagnosis. The histologic findings alone may be similar to other pathologies such as osteoblastoma, low-grade osteosarcoma and particularly to fibrous dysplasia. An accurate diagnosis requires careful clinical, radiological and histological correlation in order to make an optimal treatment and an excellent outcome.