Pedunculated ossifying fibroma of the maxillary alveolus mimicking a chondroid tumor in an elderly patient

Ossifying fibroma is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm that rarely arises in the maxillary alveolus and is uncommon in elderly patients, making diagnosis particularly challenging. We report the case of a 70-year-old male who presented with a gradual enlarging pedunculated intraoral swelling measuring approximately 3.5 × 2.5 cm on the left maxillary alveolus. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed internal bony deposits that suggested a chondroid benign tumor, while fine-needle aspiration cytology showed extensive hemorrhage with dense lymphocytic infiltrate but uneventful and no recurrence was observed at six months. This case illustrates that ossifying fibroma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of maxillary swellings in elderly patients, and emphasizes that definitive diagnosis relies on histopathology while surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. • Rare case of maxillary alveolar ossifying fibroma in a 70-year-old male. • Clinical and radiological features mimicked a chondroid benign tumor. • Fine-needle aspiration cytology was inconclusive for diagnosis. • Definitive diagnosis confirmed by histopathological examination. • Complete surgical excision ensured uneventful recovery with no recurrence.