Giant Cell Fibroma of the Tongue: A Rare Entity

Abstract

Giant cell fibroma is a rare entity classified as a benign tumour of the oral cavity, accounting for 2% to 5% of all oral benign fibrous growths. It can occur at various sites in the oral cavity, such as the tongue, palate, lip, and buccal mucosa, with the gingiva being the most common site. As the growth is self-limiting, it has been concluded that its recurrence is negligible. The aetiology of the growth has not been clearly known, but the fibrous proliferation suggests that chronic irritation or trauma to the tissue can give rise to such lesions. The growth is generally described as a dome-shaped nodule, either sessile or pedunculated, with an average diameter of 1cm. Usually, the lesion is asymptomatic unless it becomes secondarily infected. The present article presents the diagnosis and surgical management of a giant cell fibroma localised to the lateral border of the left-side of the tongue, corresponding to the occlusal surface of the molar teeth. Hereby, the author presents a case of a 58-year-old-male patient reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) with a chief complaint of a growth on the left lateral border of the anterior region of the tongue for 2 to 3 years. On intraoral clinical examination, a dome-shaped, pedunculated mass measuring 1cm in diameter was observed. The lesion was asymptomatic and self-limiting. A provisional diagnosis of irritational fibroma was made. After a thorough history taking and clinical examination, surgical excision through an intraoral approach under local anaesthesia was performed to remove the lesion. The histopathological reports confirmed the diagnosis as giant cell fibroma. Rigorous clinical and histopathological examination has proven to be significant in making a precise diagnosis and planning accurate treatment for the uneventful elimination of lesions like giant cell fibroma. It is also essential to differentiate it from other pathologies to prevent complications.