Oral Pyogenic Granuloma: Case Report of an Atypical Presentation
Abstract “Granulomas seem to be a defensive mechanism that triggers the body to “wall off” foreign invaders such as bacteria or fungi to keep them from spreading” [1]. Pyogenic granuloma is a relatively common benign skin growth that consists of vascular nodules of proliferating capillaries [2]. They grow rapidly and often occur following a minor injury or trauma, most likely as a vascular or fibrous response to injury or irritant [2]. Ultimately, the etiology of pyogenic granuloma is still unknown. Oral pyogenic granuloma is most commonly found on the gingiva, followed by the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and hard palate [3]. It often presents as a red, smooth, or lobulated exophytic lesion which can be pedunculated or sessile and often bleeds on provocation [4]. A microscopic evaluation of pyogenic granuloma often reveals that the lesion is fully or partially covered by parakeratotic or non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The majority of the lesion is formed by a lobulated...