A patient presents with a small bony protuberance on the buccal surface of the maxillary anterior region. A biopsy is taken. What would the histologic finding show?

Correct answer: D. Normal mucosa overlying normal lamellar bone

• A. Granulation tissue and inflammation suggest pathology — exostosis is a normal anatomic variant.
• B. Giant cells in fibrous stroma describes a central giant cell granuloma or giant cell tumor.
• C. Fibrous connective tissue replacing bone describes fibrous dysplasia or chronic osteomyelitis.
• D. Correct. An exostosis is a benign bony outgrowth covered by normal mucosa. Biopsy shows normal surface mucosa overlying normal lamellar (compact) bone — no pathologic changes. This distinguishes it from fibrous dysplasia or giant cell lesions.