A SOFT BUT PERSISTENT CHALLENGE: TRAUMATIC FIBROMA – A CASE REPORT

Background: Traumatic fibroma, also known as irritation fibroma or focal fibrous hyperplasia, is one of the most common benign reactive lesions of the oral cavity. It develops secondary to chronic mechanical irritation and is frequently observed on the buccal mucosa, tongue, and lips. Although asymptomatic in most cases, these lesions may interfere with mastication, speech, or esthetics and therefore require surgical management. Case Report: A 55-year-old female presented to the Department of Periodontics with a painless nodular swelling on the lower labial mucosa that had gradually increased in size over six months. The lesion measured approximately 1.5 cm in diameter and was associated with chronic trauma from a removable partial denture. Based on history and clinical examination, a provisional diagnosis of traumatic fibroma was made. Complete surgical excision was performed under local anesthesia using electrocautery (Bonart, 1.5–1.7 MHz). Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of traumatic fibroma. Healing was uneventful, with excellent tissue repair observed at one week and one month postoperatively. Conclusion: Early diagnosis, elimination of the source of irritation, complete surgical excision, and histopathological confirmation are essential for successful management of traumatic fibroma. Long-term recurrence is uncommon when the etiological factor is eliminated.