Oral pyogenic granuloma is a type of inflammatory hyperplasia that is commonly seen during pregnancy. Find more details about this oral condition by going through the following healthcare article.
Oral pyogenic granuloma is the name for an oral condition that may sound quite intimidating to some. Pyogenic granuloma is a term that is a type of misnomer in general terms. This is because this condition does not lead to pus formation and has nothing to do with granuloma according to the cellular study. This condition is actually a reactive inflammatory response that occurs due to irritation or trauma. Oral pyogenic granuloma is also known as ‘granuloma gravidarum’ and more commonly as ‘pregnancy tumor’. This is primarily an oral disease. It can also occur anywhere on the skin, nasal septum, limbs, sometimes even on the thighs.
What is Oral Pyogenic Granuloma?
Oral pyogenic granuloma is a condition that occurs due to presence of various stimuli like local irritation, traumatic injury and even hormonal factors. It is usually seen in young women whose body is undergoing hormonal changes. This inflammatory hyperplasia causes nodular growths to appear on the oral mucosa. This nodular growth is a common tumor-like growth and considered to be non-neoplastic in nature. It is very common in pregnant women and therefore, important to treat this condition. These lesions or nodules may occur anytime during pregnancy and mostly seen during the end of the third trimester. The oral pyogenic granuloma occurs generally in the mouth on the gums. Sometimes they appear on the outer and inner cheeks, tongue and even upper jaw.
What Causes Pyogenic Granuloma?
Oral pyogenic granuloma is caused due to irritation of the oral tissues. It can even occur due to physical trauma, change in hormones as well as poor oral hygiene. People suffering from chronic oral irritants like calculus, overhanging restorations, etc. may suffer from this inflammatory hyperplasia.
What are the Symptoms of Pyogenic Granuloma?
These pregnancy tumors are very soft to touch and appear deep reddish-purplish in color. They are harmless lesions and appear like swellings on the gums. These swellings become ulcerated and are not larger than 2 cm in size. They are generally painless and may become painful when disturbed. They may also bleed on their own or due to even a slight trauma. They may occur in children and young adults. It is more common in women than men. These pyogenic granulomas may occur on the anterior nasal septum and cause nosebleeds.
How is Pyogenic Granuloma Treated?
When pyogenic granuloma affects a pregnant woman, they usually shrink in size after childbirth. Thus, during pregnancy, doctors do not suggest any type of treatment. In case the lesion bleeds too often, the doctor may suggest a conservative surgery and removal of the calculus along with a clean up of the surrounding area. Other treatments involve use of flash lamp pulsed dye laser, cryosurgery, intralesional injection of corticosteroids, etc. Biopsy may be conducted to negate the chances of presence of cancerous cells.
Oral pyogenic granulomas cause inflammation and tissue outgrowth. They may appear as a vascular granulation and cause soreness around the affected part. These lesions may sometimes appear fibrous and become ulcerated. These lesions are usually associated with diseases related to the gingiva. One usually observes these red, bumps on the head, neck, limbs and even on the upper torso. The vascular lesions are exophytic or polypoid in nature. They may turn malignant in some cases and need to be removed surgically. However, there are always chances of recurrence. In majority of the cases, these lesions are benign and asymptomatic in nature. However, if one find these lesions to be very painful, position of the teeth disturbing them and recurrent bleeding episodes, one should seek a medical treatment.
