Gingival growths are one of the most frequently encountered lesions in the oral
cavity. Most of these lesions are innocuous, but some do have malignant potential. Different
lesions with similar clinical presentations make it difficult to arrive at a correct diagnosis. One
of the infrequently occurring gingival lesions is peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF). Lesions with
histological features similar to POF have been given various names, adding to the confusion.
We report the varied clinicopathological features of 3 cases of POF, discuss the contentious
nomenclature and investigate the possible etiopathogenesis of this disease.
Case description: Three cases of gingival growths (POF) are reported. Two of the lesions
occurred in the maxillary anterior region, while the third occurred in the mandibular posterior
region. Two of the cases showed radiographic evidence of bone loss. An excision biopsy was
performed in all three cases.
Conclusion: Because the rate of recurrence for peripheral ossifying fibroma is 8% to 20%,
close postoperative monitoring is required. It is also necessary to use consistent and specific
nomenclature in the literature to avoid confusion and the loss of important data.