Pyogenic granuloma: a rare case of an infantile intraoral lesion

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a non-neoplastic inflammatory hyperplasia that may be encountered in any part of the body including the oral mucosa. The onset of symptoms is mostly observed at adolescence in children. In this presentation, the second youngest case of gingival PG in the literature is reported to provide an insight into early neonatal gingival masses, which may be a stress factor for both the parents and the physician. A 4-month-old male baby was referred to our clinic with the complaint of erythema and swelling at the upper gingival floor, which was first observed 2 months ago by his mother before his admission. At physical examination, a soft, hyperemic mucosal lesion was observed that protruded from the upper gingival floor. After the excision, granulomatous-type PG was diagnosed. The excision site healed and the postoperative period was uneventful. The gingiva is the most common intraoral site of PG as in our case, Introduction but this localization is specific for the older age group rather than in infants. Intraoral lesions of neonatal period are unfamiliar to the parents resulting in their anxiety. The PG is a benign lesion that can be healed completely, with good cosmetic results. (C) 2012 Annals of Pediatric Surgery.