Surgical excision of a gingival pyogenic granuloma

Abstract

Pyogenic granuloma is a reactive vascular lesion of the oral cavity that frequently affects the gingiva. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman who attended the Periodontology clinic because of a gingival enlargement of approximately two months’ duration, located on the marginal gingiva corresponding to the lower left lateral incisor. The patient reported a history of local trauma associated with improper use of dental floss. Clinical examination revealed an exophytic lesion approximately 1 cm in diameter, with a bright-red color, soft consistency, sessile base, and bleeding on contact. A presumptive clinical diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma was established, and other reactive and vascular gingival lesions were considered in the differential diagnosis. Surgical excision by gingivectomy and curettage of the underlying area were performed, and the specimen was submitted for histopathological examination. The diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma was confirmed by histopathological examination. Follow-up at 7 days, 3 months, and 1 year showed no clinical signs of recurrence. Correlation of the clinical findings with the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and guided surgical treatment.