Congenital epulis of the newborn: a case report with review of literature.

ABSTRACT

Congenital epulis, also known as congenital gingival granular cell tumor, is a rare benign intraoral tumor found only in the new born. It can be solitary or multiple and may occur in the mandible, maxilla or tongue and may or may not be associated with other congenital anomalies. The size of the mass varies and if very large may interfere with respiration and feeding at birth, thus necessitating the immediate surgical resection at birth to maintain patency of the airways. Antepartum detection by careful imaging and coordination of multidisciplinary team of maternal-fetal medicine, neonatal-perinatal medicine, anesthesiology and otolaryngology and finally the histopathologists who confirm the diagnosis is essential as the histology differentiates it from other congenital intraoral masses like haemangioma, fibroma, rhabdomyoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, lymphangioma, osteogenic and chondrogenic sarcomas.