Abstract
The frequency and distribution of 183 consecutive cases of biopsied gingival lesions from northern Jordanians are presented here. Lesions were analyzed for age and sex of subject and location and type of lesion. Neoplasms accounted for 9% of biopsies (7% benign, 3% malignant). The most frequent neoplasm was peripheral ossifying fibroma. The maximum number of benign neoplasms occurred in patients aged 20 to 39 years, and malignant neoplasms did not occur in patients younger than 30 years. Nonneoplastic lesions accounted for 91% of cases; they comprised nine types, with pyogenic granuloma being the most frequent. The frequency and distribution of gingival lesions in north Jordan are similar to those found in other countries. Additional nationwide multicenter studies are needed to describe all aspects of epidemiology of gingival lesions in Jordan.