Congenital granular cell epulis: report of a case and review of the literature

Abstract

Congenital granular cell tumour of the new born is a rare benign lesion of soft tissues which normally affects the maxillary alveolar ridge in neonates. Though benign, it can cause respiratory embarrassment and prevent feeding causing physical distress to the infant and psychological distress to the parents or guardian. Very few cases are reported in the literature. We aimed to highlight the clinical presentation, management and a brief review of the literature of the lesion.

A case of a 3-day old baby who presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) was used to illustrate the clinical presentation and management of congenital epulis.

Congenital epulis of the new-born is a rare occurrence, though it can grow to a frightening size, it still remains a benign lesion with li le or no recurrence following surgical excision. The role of counselling to the parents cannot be over-emphasized.

Keywords: Congenital, epulis, granular, newborn