Table 1: Comparison of clinical and microscopic findings of the four entities most likely to be listed in the differential diagnosis of the lesion

NAME CLASSIFICATION SHAPE COLOR AGE (F > M) MICROSCOPIC APPEARANCE USUAL LOCATION
PERIPHERAL ODONTOGENIC FIBROMA (P Od F) Subtype of Peripheral Fibroma (Akin to POF) P; S Pink Mean 29 Strands of Odontogenic Epithelium (Possibly Calcifications) Mandible>Maxilla Anterior Gingiva F > M
PERIPHERAL GIANT CELL GRANULOMA (P G C G) Giant Cell Epulis ( = 'Periph.Giant Cell Reparative Gran' - Jaffe) [Resembles Pyog.Gran.. or.. Periph Odont Fibroma (!)] P;S Dark Red to Purplish 48% = Child Bearing Age Giant Cells Capillary Hemosiderin Mandible > Maxilla Gingiva, anterior to Molar Teeth. F = M
PYOGENIC GRANULOMA (P G) May be Early Stages of P Od F, P Oss F, P G C G P;S Red (usually Ulcerated) Pregnant or Adoles cent Fibrous Conn Tissue Heavily Vascularized Many Capillaries Maxilla > Mandible Gingiva; Lips; Tongue; (Mucous Menbranes) Occ: Skin F >> M
PERIPHERAL OSSIFYING FIBROMA (P O F) Subtype of Peripheral Fibroma (Akin to P Od F) P;S Pink 5 - 25 Mean 30 Fibroblasts c. Ossifying (and possibly Odontogenic) Rests Body of Mandible, but, usually: Maxilla>Mandible F = M