Gum Lumps

Question 0

What conditions can be included in a differential diagnosis for gum lumps?

Answer 0

Pyogenic granuloma
Fibrous epulis
Peripheral giant cell granuloma
Sinus papilla
Papilloma
Benign haemartoma
Malignant neopllasm

Question 1

what aspects of the lesion should be investigated clinically?

Answer 1

Site
Size
Shape and contour
Colour

Question 2

What are the charracteristics of a pyogenic granuloma?

Answer 2

It is a localised proliferation of granulation tissue or very vascular fibrous tissue.
It arises in response to localised irritation such as poor oral hygiene.
Normally asymptomatic, soft and vascular, bleeds easily and has an ulcerated surface

Question 3

What are the characterics of a fibrous epulis?

Answer 3

A nodule of fibrous hyperplastic tissue.

Usually not ulcerated, firm on palpation and does not bleed easily.

Question 4

What are the chracteristics of a peripheral cell granuloma?

Answer 4

Hyperplastic lesion which tends to develop to a local irritaion.
Clincally can have a deep blue or maroon colour but otherwise not distinguishable from a pyogenic granuklma or fibrous epulis.
Histologically has numerous multinnucleate osteooclast-like giant cells

Question 5

What is a sinus papilla?

Answer 5

Essentially a pyogenic grannloma developing at the opening of the sinus.

Question 6

what further investigations should be carried out for gum lumps?

Answer 6

biopsy
Periodontal examniation
Sensibility testing
Periapical radiographs