Congenital epulis--an electron microscopic observations of two cases

Jaw and gum tumours in children

INTRODUCTION

Jaw and gum tumours are rare conditions in children. Children presenting with jaw tumours during 2001 till 2007 are presented. Their modes of presentation, operative procedures and findings, histology and post operative results have been described.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen children presenting with jaw and gum tumours are retrospectively analysed. Acute inflammatory and developmental cyst are excluded from the study. Relevant literature of three rare tumours noted in our series are reviewed.

RESULTS

Eight patients had epulis, two of them had rare congenital epulis. Two patients had aneurysmal bone cyst. Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy was noted in two patients. Ameloblastic fibrosis, another rare tumour in children, and non-osseus fibroma were noted in one patient each. Excision of the mass was done in all except two patients with aneurysmal bone cyst, in whom curettage of the cyst was done. Patients were followed up from 3 months to 6 years.

CONCLUSION

Jaw and gum tumours in children are usually benign. Excision of the tumour or curettage is curative in most of them.