Pyogenic granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma, also referred to as pregnancy tumor, is an oral pathologiccondition that appears in the mouthas an overgrowthof tissue due to irritationor trauma. Because of its overwhelming incidence on the gingiva, the condition is associated with two other diseases, though not because they occur together. Instead, the three are associated with each other because they appear frequently on gingiva and they also begin with the letter "p": peripheral giant cell granulomaand peripheral ossifying fibroma. The name for pyogenic granuloma is misleading because it is not a true granuloma.

The appearance of pyogenic granuloma is usually a colorranging from red/pink to purple, and can be smooth or lobulated. Younger lesions are more likely to be red because of the high number of blood vessels. Older lesions begin to change into a pink color. Size ranges from a few milimeters to centimeters. Although painless, pyogenic granulomas can bleed easily and grow rapidly.

It is most likely to occur in children and younger adults, and there is a definite genderdifference with more femalesaffected than men. In pregnantwomen, it is most likely to occur in the first trimesterwith an increasing incidence up until the seventh month. Some resolve on their own after the pregnancy. Pyogenic granulomas appear on the giniva in 75% of cases, more often in the maxillarythan mandibularjaw. Anterior areas are more often affected than posterior areas. It can also be found on the lips, tongue, and inner cheek. Poor oral hygieneor trauma are usually precipitating factors.

The appearance of a pyogenic granulomas microscopicallyhas a highly vascular granulation tissue. Inflammationis present. The lesion may have a fibrous character if it is older, and the surface my have ulcerations.

There is usually no treatment if the pyogenic granuloma occurs during pregnancy since the lesion may heal spontaneously. If esthetics is a concern, then treatment may be pursued. Usually, only conservative surgerymay be needed, along with a dental cleaning to remove any calculusor other source of irritation.

References

• Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001.

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It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyogenic+granuloma Wikipedia article Pyogenic granuloma.