Report of hereditary gingival fibromatosis in two Nigerian siblings

Abstract

Background: Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare condition with a prevalence of 1:750,000, and can present as an isolated disorder or more rarely as a syndrome component. It is characterised by a slow and progressive enlargement of both maxillary and mandibular 28rganiza with varying severity between individuals within the same family. This paper reports the occurrence of HGF in two young patients from the same parents.
Materials: Detailed clinical evaluation revealed a positive history of generalised gingival swelling in the two patients, in the eldest child of the family, and an uncle. There was no history of intake of drugs that could predispose to the development of gingival hyperplasia. Intra oral examination showed generalised gingival hyperplasia involving the
lingual and buccal regions of both maxillary and mandibular arches.
Conclusion: Screening other siblings of patients who present with delayed eruption and gingival enlargement for HCF with the view of instituting early and effective plaque control in order to reduce severity of the enlargement is recommended.