Epithelium-Poor Type Central Odontogenic Fibroma: An Immunohistological Study and Review of the Literature

Abstract

The object of this study was to determine the characteristics of central odontogenic fibroma (COF) in order to help achieve a correct diagnosis. Central odontogenic fibroma, which tends to be epithelium-poor, is an extremely rare type of odontogenic fibroma. The lack of data concerning COF, due to its low incidence, can make this entity difficult to diagnose. We herein report an epithelium-poor type of COF of the mandible, which we examined immunohistologically. We also provide a review of the previous English literature to expand the knowledge about this disease. Positive reactions for vimentin and negative reactions for desmin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in COFs were common findings in the previous reports. We also noted similar immunohistological findings. Our data (vimentin positive, α-SMA and desmin negative) should contribute to correctly diagnosing epithelium-poor type COF.