Abstract
The purpose of this study is to delineate differences between mandibular and maxillary desmoplastic fibroma (DF) via analysis of published cases. Details of cases were analyzed for distribution, demographics, presentation, treatment, and follow-up. Between 1961 and 2022, 195 cases were reported, averaged 2.7 annually. There were 159 (81.5%) mandibular and 36 (18.5%) maxillary cases. The posterior mandible was most commonly affected (91.2%; p < 0.05). Maxillary DF mostly involved the anterior region (53.1%; p < 0.05). The female:male ratio was 1:1.3 (1:2 mandibular and 1:4 maxillary), and the average age was 13.5 years (12.1 mandibular and 20.5 maxillary) with a peak frequency in both jaws in the first decade of life (p < 0.05). Mandibular cases mostly affected whites, and maxillary cases affected a higher percentage of Asians (p < 0.05). Maxillary cases caused more pain and intraoral ulceration (p < 0.05). The combined cure rate of all treatment modalities for mandibular and maxillary cases was 74.8 and 81.5%, respectively. The most effective single-modality treatment for DF of both jaws was surgery (p < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this review is the first to delineate difference between mandibular and maxillary DF. This work will aid attaining an improved management protocol of this uncommon disease.