Pyogenic granuloma - review

ABSTRACT

Pyogenic granuloma is a common non-neoplastic soft tissue growth seen on a variety sites in the body including the oral cavity. It may also occur in pregnant subjects and is referred to as a granuloma gravidarum. Although the precise etio-pathogenesis is not established, it is regarded as a reactive lesion secondary to trauma or non-specific local irritation. Hormonal stimulation during puberty, pregnancy or oral contraceptive use may also be responsible. A variety of angiogenic factors may mediate exuberant endothelial proliferation. Mostly commonly it affects adolescents and young adults with preponderance in females. The most familiar site is anterior maxillary gingivae but may also affect the mandibular gingivae, lips, tongue and buccal mucosa. Conservative surgical excision is usually curative but recurrence is not unusual. Lasers and cryotherapy may also be employed. Granulam gravidarum, however, is best left untreated until parturition