What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• GCF of Oral Cavity
• Giant Cell Fibroma of Mouth
• Oral GCF 

What is Oral Giant Cell Fibroma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Oral Giant Cell Fibroma (or Oral GCF) is a common, benign, slow-growing tumor of the mouth
• In a majority of cases, the tumor is present as a single nodule; though rarely, the tumor can occur as multiple nodules too
• These tumors have also been noted to be present from birth (congenital presentation)
• Oral Giant Cell Fibroma is usually present as a mass in the mouth. The tumor site could include the tongue, palate, or gums. There are no significant complications due to the tumor
• The cause of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma is unknown and so are the risk factors
• A complete surgical excision of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma usually results in a cure. The prognosis with appropriate treatment (surgical removal) is excellent 

Who gets Oral Giant Cell Fibroma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Oral Giant Cell Fibroma can occur at any age, though they are mostly seen before the age of 30 years (common in teenagers and young adults)
• It is more common in females than males
• Oral Giant Cell Fibromas are predominantly seen in the Caucasian race

What are the Risk Factors for Oral Giant Cell Fibroma? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Oral Giant Cell Fibroma are unknown in majority of cases
• In some cases, irritation or trauma may be the risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma? (Etiology)

• The cause of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma is unknown, in most of the cases
• These tumors are not associated with any known congenital syndrome 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma?

In a majority of cases, there may be no signs and symptoms of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma. Sometimes, the following may be observed:

• The tumor typically presents as a single nodule under the skin
• The nodule is typically less than 1 cm in size(along the larger dimension)
• These masses are normally painless and slow-growing
• They are usually firm to touch and well-defined
• Oral Giant Cell Fibromas may occur as new growths that develop over weeks to months

How is Oral Giant Cell Fibroma Diagnosed?

The following are the diagnostic tools for Oral Giant Cell Fibroma:

• A thorough physical examination and a complete medical history are very crucial
• Tissue biopsy of the tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. A tissue biopsy is performed to rule out other types of tumors
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, histochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold-standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types are often considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma?

There have been no reports of significant complications due to Oral Giant Cell Fibroma. 

How is Oral Giant Cell Fibroma Treated?

• In most cases, no treatment is necessary for Oral Giant Cell Fibromas, since they are benign in nature
• When required, a surgical excision of the tumor is considered sufficient treatment and is curative

How can Oral Giant Cell Fibroma be Prevented?

The cause of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma is unknown; hence, currently there are no known methods to prevent the tumor occurrence. 

What is the Prognosis of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Oral Giant Cell Fibroma is excellent on its complete surgical removal
• In rare cases, the skin tumor can recur after surgical excision 

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Oral Giant Cell Fibroma:

Oral Giant Cell Fibroma is considered to be similar to fibrous papule of the head and neck region.