Giant Cell Fibroma of the Oral Cavity: Case Series and Literature Review

Oral giant cell fibroma (GCF) is a benign fibrous tumor that is histologically characterized by large, stellate, and mono- or multinucleated giant cells. GCF is an asymptomatic, sessile, or pedunculated exophytic lesion, usually smaller than 1 cm, with a smooth or papillary surface and the same color as the oral mucosa. The role of trauma in development of GCF has been contradictory. Knowledge about the characteristics of this lesion can help in diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients.  

This article describes five cases of GCF in Iranian patients, two of which were found in an uncommon location (buccal mucosa). Two were larger than usual (> 1 cm) and one had clinical manifestations resembling pyogenic granuloma. Patients were selected from two oral medicine centers.

To distinguish GCF from other types of irritation fibroma, size, location, and presence or absence of stimulating factors should not preclude diagnosis. The diagnosis is confirmed by detection of giant cells in histological examination.