Congenital granular cell epulis: A report of an unexpected feature with histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations

Abstract

The congenital granular cell epulis is a very rare benign tumor arising from the alveolar ridges of newborns. Although several etiologic theories, like myoblastic, odontogenic, neurogenic, fibroblastic, histologic and endocrinologic possibilities have been proposed; the exact mechanism in the development of such a lesion remains elusive. In the present article, a slowly growing congenital granular cell epulis of a 50-day-old male newborn encountered in the mandible was reported in the light of histopathologic and immunohistochemical examination. Presence of congenital epulis (CE) in the mandible and in male is a very rare entity. Furthermore, growth of CE after birth was an unexpected feature. In conclusion, it is important to allow the pediatric and general dentists to be aware of this congenital tumor and its presentation with the underlined unexpected feature, so that this entity will be more easily recognized and relevant information given to patients.