Management of juvenile ossifying fibroma in the maxilla and mandible.

We present three cases with juvenile ossifying fibroma. Two occurring in the maxilla, and one in the mandible. All three cases presented with a major swelling in the face. After clinical and radiological evaluation the lesions were surgically excised and sent for histopathological evaluation. Two histological types of juvenile ossifying fibroma were found, the psammatous type in two cases and the trabecular pattern in one case. Although juvenile ossifying fibroma is an uncommon clinical entity, its aggressive local behaviour and high recurrence rate mean that it is important to make an early diagnosis. It is also important to apply the appropriate treatment and to follow-up the patient closely over the long term. This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile ossifying fibroma in the maxilla and the mandible. It also emphasizes the importance of considering the less aggressive options as a first line of treatment before choosing the aggressive approach when dealing with children.