Giant Epulis of the Gum and Palate Area: A Case Report in Stomatology Department at Lomé University Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Epulis is a pseudotumor very common in women. If neglected, it can reach a considerable volume. The marginal gingiva is very involved in the tumor either in isolation or with periodontal and alveolar bone. The epulis sits classically on the vestibular gum, rarely on the palatal side. We report a case of palatal giant epulis which posed a diagnostic problem. Case report: This was a 50-year-old patient with a large tumor occupying the entire oral cavity and pushing all nearby organs. This lesion had been evolving for ten years, with a tendency to gradually increase of its volume. The orthopantomogram revealed the destruction of the underlying alveolar bone without signs of tumor invasion. Surgical excision was performed, removing all the tumor in the vicinity of the nasopalatine vascular pedicle. The pathological examination concludes with an inflammatory epulis. Conclusion: The epulis is a benign tumor of the gum, circumscribed, localized preferentially at the neck of one or two contiguous teeth. It occurs more in women, with a predilection for the vestibular side, rarely the palatal side. In the absence of appropriate treatment it can lead to a large tumor, posing a diagnostic problem and causing functional or aesthetic discomfort. Complete surgical excision with histological examination remains the solution. Healing without sequelae is the rule.