Focal reactive soft tissue Lesion of gingiva: a diagnostic dilemma

ABSTRACT

There are different types of focal overgrowths which may occur on the gingiva. These growths of gingiva are common and often result from underlying systemic disease, drug induced, local iatrogenic factors and dental plaque. Many of these enlargements are considered to be reactive rather than neoplastic in nature. These reactive lesions are more common in the oral cavity because of the frequency with which the tissues are injured. Clinically differentiating one from the other as specific entity is sometimes difficult. This case report describes one such reactive growth of the gingiva that is not implicated with any underlying systemic disease or drug induced. Clinical, radiographic, histologic characteristic along with the differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are discussed with the importance of the proper communication with the patient as she was more anxious about the possibility of the lesion being a carcinoma.