Congenital epulis of the jaw: a series of five cases and review of literature.
This article describes five cases of congenital epulis, a rare and benign swelling in the mouth of a newborn, which is not widely known. We present five cases: four cases presented as single pedunculated nodules of the gingiva and in one case two nodules were present. Of all, 50% were located at the maxilla. Excision was performed in four of the five cases and in one case, spontaneous regression was awaited. No recurrence was reported. The characteristic features of congenital epulis are a pedunculated, flesh-pink coloured tumour with a predominant occurrence on the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge in a female newborn. Although the aetiology is unknown, most authors suggest a mesenchymal, rather than an odontogenic, origin. Endogenous hormonal factors might influence growth prenatally. Histological findings include granular cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and small, eccentric nuclei. Despite the fact that the lesion can be a striking sight, spontaneous regression is possible and can be awaited. Indications for non-radical excision under local anaesthesia are severe upper airway obstruction and interference with feeding technique. In conclusion, we provide clinical and histological information about congenital epulis, so that this entity will be more easily recognised and relevant information given to parents.
Küpers
A Marlijn
AM
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Máxima Medical Centre, PO Box 7777, 5500 MB, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. marlijnkupers@hotmail.com
Andriessen
Peter
P
van Kempen
Muriel J P
MJ
van der Tol
Ignaz G H
IG
Baart
Jacques A
JA
Dumans
Antoine G
AG
van der Waal
Isaäc
I
D005260:Female; D005887:Gingival Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000601:surgery*; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous