epulis
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a benign, localised swelling of the gingiva.
There are two types:
- fibrous epulis:
- fibrous tissue tumour that arises from the periodontal membrane
- usually presents as a slowly growing, smooth, firm lump that generally emerges between two teeth
- this lesion is treated via excision and curettage of the origin
- giant cell epulis:
- consists of giant cells in a vascular stroma
- may invade local bone
- often, like the fibrous variety, presents as a gingival lump emerging between two teeth, however it grows more quickly and is an irregular red fleshy mass
- the mass may ulcerate or bleed
- treatment is extraction of associated teeth and excision and curettage of local bone, this form of treatment is necessary in order to prevent recurrence