A Retrospective Study Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography to Evaluate Peripheral Odontogenic Fibroma in Dogs

Peripheral odontogenic fibroma (POF) is a common benign odontogenic tumor in dogs. This tumor is usually found as a pink and firm mass on the gingiva but may be similar in appearance to gingival hyperplasia. Mineralization is a commonly observed feature of this tumor with imaging, which may guide clinicians with sample collection for histopathology. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a 3-dimensional imaging modality that can be used to assess characteristics and biologic behavior of a tumor. Forty-two dogs with previously diagnosed POF through histopathology were enrolled in this study. CBCT was used to assess tumor location, tumor orientation, mineralization patterns, periosteal reaction, cavitation, tooth displacement, and tooth resorption. The most common location of POF was the rostral region of the maxilla. The most common tumor orientations were coronal and buccal. The most reported CBCT features were proliferation (92.7-100%), mixed conformation (71.4 ± 13.5%), and the presence of periosteal reaction (58.8 ± 2.3%). Cohen’s kappa agreement was consistent for most features except coronal orientation, proliferation, and tooth resorption. Tooth displacement was significantly correlated with the rostral region of the maxilla ( P < .05). Tumor invasion and lysis alone were not observed in this study. In conclusion, the most reported CBCT features of POF from this study can be used to prioritize POF as a differential diagnosis when evaluating an odontogenic tumor.