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World J Clin Oncol. May 24, 2026; 17(5): 119443
Published online May 24, 2026. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v17.i5.119443
Clinical presentation and management of hereditary gingival fibromatosis: Four case reports
Yuan Cheng, Jie Zhao, Jie Yang, Liang-Yuan Lin, Juan Wu
Yuan Cheng, Jie Zhao, Jie Yang, Juan Wu, Department of Periodontology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
Liang-Yuan Lin, Department of Stomatology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
Author contributions: Cheng Y, Zhao J, and Yang J collected the clinical data and performed the clinical management; Cheng Y drafted the manuscript; Wu J and Lin LY designed the research study; Wu J critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content; and all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by the General Clinical Trial Project of Nanjing Medical Science and Technology Development Fund, No. LYM25020; “3456” Cultivation Program for Junior Talents of Nanjing Stomatological School, Medical School of Nanjing University, No. 0222C104.
Informed consent statement: Informed written consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this report and any accompanying images.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Corresponding author: Juan Wu, MDS, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Periodontology, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, No. 30 Zhongyang Road, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China. juanwu@smail.nju.edu.cn
Received: January 29, 2026
Revised: February 23, 2026
Accepted: March 19, 2026
Published online: May 24, 2026
Processing time: 113 Days and 0.2 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive gingival enlargement. We report two patients with non-syndromic HGF and two with syndromic HGF, detailing their clinical characteristics, diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and long-term follow-up.

CASE SUMMARY

All patients presented with generalized gingival enlargement. Patient 1 (5 years old), patient 2 (26 years old) and patient 3 (25 years old) had positive family histories. Patient 3 also exhibited generalized hypertrichosis and macromastia, whereas patient 4 (11 years old) presented with facial hypertrichosis and clitoral hypertrophy. Patient 1 and patient 4 underwent gingivectomy and gingivoplasty under general anesthesia. Patient 2, who also had periodontitis, received initial periodontal therapy (oral hygiene instruction, scaling, and root planing) followed by periodontal surgery (gingivectomy and flap surgery). Patient 3 underwent a multidisciplinary approach that included tooth extraction, gingivectomy and gingivoplasty, dental implant placement, and orthodontic treatment. In all cases, gingival overgrowth was effectively managed and controlled.

CONCLUSION

Gingival hyperplasia in HGF demonstrates phenotypic variability. Diagnosis, whether non-syndromic or syndromic, relies on detailed clinical examination and family history. HGF can cause substantial aesthetic, functional, and psychological concerns; therefore, early intervention, multidisciplinary treatment, and long-term follow-up are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Keywords: Gingival hyperplasia; Hereditary gingival fibromatosis; Syndromes; Treatment; Case report

Core Tip: Periodontal surgery is effective for managing hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) by exposing unerupted teeth and establishing an appropriate gingival contour. Early intervention, multidisciplinary treatment programs, and long-term follow-up are essential for achieving optimal outcomes in HGF.

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