[Fibromatous Epulis: A Clinical Case Report]

A 35-year-old patient presented with a painless, broad-based exophytic lesion in the buccal interdental region between teeth 13 and 14. Despite oral hygiene efforts the lesion persisted for around one year. Radiology excluded bone involvement, and histopathology after excision confirmed a fibromatous epulis, which is characterized by collagen-rich connective tissue. There was no recurrence within one-year follow-up. Surgical removal proved to be efficient.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma: a case series and brief review

We report three varied presentations of peripheral giant cell granuloma and provide an up-to-date summary on the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this everyday swelling, including lessons learned.

A large-cohort study of 2971 cases of epulis: focusing on risk factors associated with recurrence

BACKGROUND

To analyze the clinicopathological features of different histological subtypes of epulis, and evaluate the risk factors associated with recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study including 2971 patients was performed. The patients' sex, age, location, size, histological subtypes, recurrence information, oral hygiene habits, periodontitis symptoms and smoking history were retrieved from the patient medical records and follow-up information.

RESULTS

Among the 2971 cases, focal fibrous hyperplasia (FFH) was the most common lesion (60.92%), followed by peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) (29.32%), pyogenic granuloma (PG) (8.08%) and peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) (1.68%). The peak incidence of epulis was in the third and fourth decade of life, with a mean age of 45.55 years. Female predominance was found in all types of lesions with a female to male ratio of 1.71:1. PG had the highest recurrence rate (17.18%), followed by POF (12.98%), FFH (9.55%) and PGCG (8.82%). Histological subtypes were significantly correlated with the recurrence of epulis (P = 0.013). Regular supportive periodontal therapy (P = 0.050) had a negative correlation with recurrence, whereas symptoms of periodontitis (P < 0.001) had a positive correlation with the recurrence of epulis.

CONCLUSIONS

Controlling the periodontal inflammation and regular supportive periodontal therapy might help reduce the recurrence of epulis.

Congenital granular cell epulis: 24 new cases with more differences than similarities to granular cell tumor

Congenital granular cell epulis (CGCE) is a rare tumor of gingiva that is exclusive to newborns, has marked female predominance, and is rarely associated with other abnormalities. Although benign in behavior, CGCE can be lethal by obstruction of respiration and/or deglutition and can require a multidisciplinary team of specialist at birth for survival of an otherwise normal infant. Histologically, CGCE resembles granular cell tumor (GCT), but unlike GCT, which is Schwannian-derived, derivation of CGCE remains an enigma, largely because of its low prevalence. This study presents 24 new cases of CGCE, the largest series since the original description 150 years ago and permits detailed study of homogeneity of cases diagnosed as CGCE as well as detailed comparisons of CGCE with GCT by clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural studies. The data show homogeneity within the CGCE cases, more differences than similarities between CGCE and GCT, and no immunohistochemical staining for common placental proteins/hormones in CGCE. The findings support a primitive mesenchymal cell origin, and a progressive degenerative process in CGCE, rather than neoplasia. Prenatal detection of this lesion is important to facilitate adequate preparations for support of these infants during labor and delivery.

Large Congenital Epulis: A Neonatal Tumour with Striking Appearance, but Simple Management

Background Congenital epulis is a benign tumor of upper gingiva. Larger lesions interfere with mouth closing and normal feeding and may obstruct airways. We present a neonate with a large epulis. Case Report: A full term 3 kg 5 days female baby had a 20 cm × 15 cm gingival mass protruding from the oral cavity, connected by a pedicle attached to right upper gingiva (Figure 1). Multiple trophic ulcers had developed in the mass after birth. Mouth closing and normal feeding were hampered. The mass was excised surgically and baby improved. Conclusion: A large congenital epulis, though worrisome to parents, can be satisfactorily managed by surgical excision and has a good prognosis.

Ossifying fibrous epulis as an IgG4-related disease of the oral cavity: a case report and literature review

Background

Fibrous sclerosing tumours and hypertrophic lesions in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) are formed in various organs throughout the body, but disease in the oral region is not included among individual organ manifestations. We report a case of ossifying fibrous epulis that developed from the gingiva, as an instance of IgG4-RD.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old Japanese man visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gunma University Hospital, with a chief complaint of swelling of the left mandibular gingiva. A 65 mm × 45 mm pedunculated tumour was observed. The bilateral submandibular lymph nodes were enlarged. The intraoperative pathological diagnosis of the enlarged cervical lymph nodes was inflammation. Based on this diagnosis, surgical excision was limited to the intraoral tumour, which was subsequently pathologically diagnosed as ossifying fibrous epulis. Histopathologically, the ossifying fibrous epulis exhibited increased levels of fibroblasts and collagen fibres, as well as infiltration by numerous plasma cells. The IgG4/IgG cell ratio was > 40%. Serologic analysis revealed hyper-IgG4-emia (> 135 mg/dL). The patient met the comprehensive clinical diagnosis criteria and the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for IgG4-RD. Based on these criteria, we diagnosed the ossifying fibrous epulis in our patient as an IgG4-related disease. A pathological diagnosis of IgG4-related lymphadenopathy was established for the cervical lymph nodes. Concomitant clinical findings were consistent with type II IgG4-related lymphadenopathy.

Conclusions

A routine serological test may be needed in cases with marked fibrous changes (such as epulis) in the oral cavity and plasma cells, accompanied by tumour formation, to determine the possibility of individual-organ manifestations of IgG4-related disease.

[Chronic gingival swelling]

Epulis is a common hyperplastic benign pseudotumor of the gums. It meets two criteria which are unanimous: topographical with the epulis affecting the neck of one or two adjacent teeth; benign, because the epulis is a tumor that does not recur after complete excision, does not produce metastases or lymph node involvement. We here report the case of a 70-year-old patient who was referred by his dentist to perform total mandibular edentation before making complete denture prosthesis and with a diagnosis of suspicious indurated lesion that had progressed for 3 years, spontaneously bleeding on contact and associated with homogeneous osteolytic lesion in relation to tooth 47. The patient had only a history of prostatic neoplasia which wasn’t associated with alcohol-tobacco poisoning and treated by surgery in 2012. Symptoms were vague; only low intermittent pain relieved with analgesic use. Vincent’s sign was negative. Initial radiological appearance was characterized by homogeneous osteolysis centered to the apex of the right second molar with radiopaque border, respecting the alveolar nerve canal, thus suggesting benign lesion. Anatomopathological examination showed inflammatory epulis. Clinical and radiological assessment was performed 15 days after surgery and showed good healing without pain or infection. Given the clinical and radiological findings, differential diagnoses included squamous cell carcinoma, metastasis from prostatic adenocarcinoma, inflammatory epulis or lymphoma.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Endocrine gland-VEGF (EG-VEGF) are down regulated in head and neck cancer

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the role of VEGF, EG-VEGF and its receptors in the development and progression of HNC.

DESIGN

Human serum and tissues samples were collected from healthy, epulis and HNC patients and used for ELISA assays and immunohistochemistry studies, respectively.

SETTING

Ibn Rochd Hospital of Casablanca (Morocco), INSERM and University of Grenoble Alpes (France).

PARTICIPANTS

We used serum from 64 patients with head and neck cancers and from 71 controls without general pathology. Tissues samples were collected from seven patients with OSCC and from seven patients with Epulis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We compared circulating VEGF and EG-VEGF in normal and HNC patients and determined the expression, localisation and quantification of VEGF, EG-VEGF and its receptors; PROKR1 and PROKR2 as well as Ki67, CD31 and CD34 in OSCC and Epulis patients.

RESULTS

Both EG-VEGF and VEGF circulating levels were significantly decreased in the HNC (P < .01). OSCC patients expressed less EG-VEGF and VEGF proteins, higher PROKR1 and PROKR2 with no change in CD31 and CD34 levels. A significant increase in Ki67 was observed in OSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that circulating VEGF and EG-VEGF are downregulated in HNC patients and in OSCC tissue. EG-VEGF receptors were increased in OSCC, along with a stabilisation of two key markers of angiogenesis. These findings strongly suggest that downregulation of angiogenesis in HNC might explain its moderate metastatic feature.

A puzzling pregnancy epulis with aggressive bone loss mimicking malignant neoplasm: A case report

Epulis is a benign tumor, rarely involves aggressive alveolar bone resorption. This study reported a rare case of rapid growth of pregnancy epulis with extensive alveolar bone destruction and the management of this case. A 24-year old pregnant woman at 35 weeks and 1 day of gestation presented a large asymptomatic nodular mass with severe teeth loosening at the anterior mandibular region for 4 weeks. Radiographic examination showed extensive alveolar bone resorption around the affected teeth to the apical area. After delivery, the patient received an extended resection under general anesthesia. The final histopathological analysis revealed the diagnosis of epulis. In conclusion, the rapid growth of epulis during pregnancy mimicking malignant neoplasm with aggressive alveolar bone destruction was rare and puzzling. In such cases, the histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations are the only effective method to reach the correct diagnosis and clinician should proceed with high precaution.

Congenital Granular Cell Epulis: Classic Presentation and Its Differential Diagnosis

Congenital granular cell epulis (CGCE) is an uncommon lesion of unclear pathogenesis. It occurs predominantly in female newborns with a predilection site of the maxillary alveolar ridge. The mass enlarges prenatally but the growth arrests after birth. Histologically, CGCE is characterized by a proliferation of polygonal cells with eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm and eccentric, bland-appearing nuclei. It closely resembles adult granular cell tumor (GCT) microscopically and S-100 immunostain is often helpful in distinguishing the two (S-100-positive in GCT and S-100-negative in CGCE). Clinically, the lesion should also be distinguished from entities such as infantile myofibroma, rhabdomyoma, melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy, peripheral odontogenic fibroma, and neurofibroma. CGCE demonstrates an excellent prognosis and has not been associated with any syndromes/genetic defects or malignant transformation. Clinicians and pathologists should be familiar with this rare entity and its differential diagnosis for accurate diagnosis and management.

Lumps and Bumps of the Gingiva: A Pathological Miscellany

Lesions of the gingivae are amongst the commonest lesions seen in patients and the vast majority are reactive hyperplasias, related to a number of chronic irritant stimuli. However, there are a number of entities that have a predilection for the gingivae, which are much less common in other parts of the oral cavity. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the clinical and histological differential diagnoses when presented with a lump on the gingivae, including the approach to diagnosis and diagnostic pitfalls.

[Clinical evaluation and comparison of three surgical procedures for treatment of root surface exposure after epulis resection]

Objective: To evaluate and compare the clinical effects of three surgical procedures for the periodontal treatment of root surface exposure after resection of epulis. Methods: Thirty patients with epulis were selected in this study and the exposed root surfaces of the patients' teeth were covered with laterally transposition flap, laterally pedicled transposition flap or coronally advanced flap combined with a connective tissue graft in the treatments of epulis. At the time of follow-up during the operation, 3 months after operation and 6 months after operation, respectively, the color, shape and quality of the gum in the operation area and the coordination of the diaphragm and diaphragm were observed, and the root surface exposure (recession depth, RD) and angle were recorded. Keratinized tissue height (KTH), root coverage rate (RC) and patients' satisfaction with the surgery were also recorded. Results: The flap widths in groups of laterally pedicled transposition flap and coronally advanced flap combined with a connective tissue graft were significantly wider than that in the group of laterally transposition flap at three-month and six-month follow-ups after the surgery. The width of keratoderma [(2.70±1.16) mm] in the group of laterally transposition flap was significantly lower at 6 months postoperatively than that in the other two groups [(4.80±1.14) and (4.90±1.66) mm, respectively] (P<0.01). At the 6th month after surgery, the root flap coverage was at the lowest level [(24±43)%] in the group of laterally transposition flap, and it was significantly lower than that in the other two groups [(80±23)% and (86±24)%, respectively] (P<0.01). There was no significant difference of the root flap coverage between groups of laterally pedicled transposition flap and coronally advanced flap combined with a connective tissue graft. At the time of follow-up, patients were satisfied with the aesthetic effects of the three surgical procedures. Conclusions: After the resection of the gingival tumor, the defect of the gingiva is caused. The laterally pedicled flap and pedicled flap combined with connective tissue transplantations for soft tissue repairing can achieve satisfactory aesthetic effects which are superior to the effect of simple flap technique.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma: A rare case affecting maxillary region

Focal gingival enlargements are a diverse group of lesions with almost similar clinical presentation but varied etiology and histopathology. The actual cause of peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) has been debated over many years. POFs are usually seen in childhood and younger ages. There is a slight female predilection. It is usually localized, rarely generalized. Usually, the treatment option is only surgical excision with minimal chances of recurrence. Here, we report a case of POF of the right maxillary posterior region with a review of literature.

Periodontal plastic procedure for the management of the residual gingival defect after excision of an epulis

Dentinal hypersensitivity and unesthetic appearance are common findings after excision of an epulis due to exposure of root and underlying bone. The simultaneous placement of subepithelial connective tissue grafting after excision of the lesion seems to be viable surgical option in such cases. Furthermore, this will avoid second surgical procedure for the management of the residual gingival defect.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma: A clinicopathologic study of 27 cases and review of the literature with emphasis on histomorphologic features

The peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a relatively uncommon, reactive gingival overgrowth usually composed of cellular fibroblastic tissue containing one or more mineralized tissues, namely bone, cementum-like material, or dystrophic calcification. The aetiology and pathogenesis of POF are yet not clear, but some authors have hypothesized a reaction originating from the periodontal ligament, as a result of irritating agents such as dental calculus, plaque, orthodontic appliances, and ill-fitting restorations. The aim of our study was to report the clinicopathologic features of a case series of POF from a single Italian institution. A total of 27 cases were collected over an 18-year period. Detailed relevant medical history, clinical and histological information were recorded for each patient. The age range of patients (m = 6; f = 21) was 17.2-80.1 years with a mean of 42.9 ± 18.1 years. Occurrence of the lesion in the mandibular and maxillary arches was similar, and 67.0% occurred in the incisor-cuspid region. The lesions ranged in size from 0.3 to 5.0 cm (mean, 1.3 cm ± 1.1 cm). All the different types of mineralization were present, with higher prevalence of lamellar bone. The lesions were treated by surgical excision and four lesions in three patients recurred after surgery. Surgeons should consider the high recurrence rate of POF and remove the lesion down to the bone involving also the adjacent periosteum and the periodontal ligament. Professional prophylaxis should precede any surgical procedure, and periodical dental hygiene recalls are important in order to remove any possible irritating factor.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma: Series of five cases

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a reactive lesion of the gingival tissues that predominantly affects women and is usually located in the maxilla anterior to the molars. It originates from the cells of the periodontal ligament. The definitive diagnosis is established by histological examination, which reveals the presence of cellular connective tissue with focal calcifications. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, though the recurrence has been reported. We present a clinical, radiological and histological review of five cases of POF diagnosed and treated at our institute.

Treatment of congenital epulis (granular cell tumour) with excision and gingivoperiosteoplasty

Congenital epulis, or granular cell tumour, is a rare, benign intraoral tumour present on the mucosa of the alveolar ridge, with the potential to interfere with respiration and feeding. Treatment involves surgical excision, and recurrences are rare. The management of the alveolar deficiency associated with this tumour has not previously been addressed. In the present report, a patient with a typical epulis, treated surgically with excision and extrapolation of Millard's gingivoperiosteoplasty technique to reconstruct the associated alveolar defect with restoration of alveolar ridge continuity, is presented. The differential diagnosis and complications of this tumour are discussed.

Giant fibrous epulis

A variety of swellings located on or near the gums is clinically included under the heading of epulis. There are various types of epulis. In today's era of super specialization gum swellings more commonly present to the dental surgeon than to the practicing otolaryngologist. We present an interesting case of a fibrous epulis managed in our institute along with a brief review of literature.