Histological diversity, diagnostic challenges, and surgical treatment strategies of fibrous dysplasia of upper and mid-thirds of the craniomaxillofacial complex

Owing to the overlapping clinical, radiographic and histopathological features among the diverse group of Fibro-osseous lesions, a precise and definitive diagnosis of Fibrous Dysplasia (FD) can be quite challenging. Moreover, FD itself may manifest with widely varying clinical presentations, radiographic appearances and histological pictures, depending upon the maturity of the lesion, and the relative quantum of its 'fibrous' and 'osseous components'. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of Fibrous Dysplasia (FD) of the Craniomaxillofacial region is particularly important, as the condition is capable of causing considerable facial asymmetry or deformity leading even to marked disfigurement, which can have a profound psychosocial impact on the patient. Involvement of Maxillofacial bones by aggressive forms of FD, can produce serious functional debility as well, by compromising airway, breathing, vision, hearing, occlusion, mastication and mouth opening. Calvarial bone involvement can produce cranial asymmetry, and cranial base involvement can lead to persistent headaches, facial pain, numbness, and other neurological deficits owing to compression of cranial nerves.