Multiples épulis

Abstract

Epulis (epi=above or over and oulon= gum) is the most common circumscribed hyperplastic benign pseudotumor of the gums. It meets two unanimous criteria:a topographic criterion: the location of the epulis at the level of the neck of one or two contiguous teeth; a criterion of benignity well established by LAUFER: epulis is a tumor that does not relapse after complete resection and that does not give rise to metastasis or lymph node invasion. It was traditionally regarded only as resulting from inflammation. But often humoral disorders are due to endocrine variation or disruption, hypovitaminosis C, hematological disorders. Epulis may occur at any age and is clinically characterized by a highly vascularized circumscribed sessile or pedunculated dark red fleshy mass, bleeding easily upon contact. There are different histological types of epulis: single, inflammatory, vascular or angiomatous, fibrous, giant cell or myeloid epulis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We here report the case of a 76 year old patient with no significant past medical history, presenting for gum tumours evolving over 3 years. Clinical examination objectified two exophitic, firm, painless, raspberry-like masses with a sessile base at the level of the upper and lower gums, bleeding upon contact, associated with a poor oral health status . The remainder of the clinical examination was normal, a panoramic radiograph was unremarkable. The diagnosis of epulis was retained. Anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Patient evolution was good; he received regular dental care.

The Pan African Medical Journal 2016;25