Oral Pyogenic Granuloma: An Insight into its Etipathogenesis and Treatment Modalities

Abstact Exophytic gingival lesions are frequently seen in the oral cavity. Pyogenic granuloma, an inflammatory hyperplasia of the oral cavity is commonly seen in the gingiva though other areas like lips, tongue, buccal mucosa and palate are also affected. The term pyogenic granuloma is a misnomer since the condition is not associated with pus and shows no histologic evidence of granuloma. Current concepts point to low grade local irritation, trauma and hormonal influences as possible etiologies. Pyogenic granuloma usually occur in young females predominantly in second decade due to effect of female hormones in the vasculature. The lesion is usually pink to red to purple in color. It is a smooth or lobulated exophytic lesion on a sessile or pedunculated base which is occasionally hemorrhagic. Excision was the treatment of choice though currently lasers, cryosurgery and sodium tetradecyl sclerotherpy are used. Due to high frequency of this lesion in oral cavity during pregnancy, a review of the current etiopathogenesis and treatment protocols are discussed.