Granuloma pyogenicum: differential diagnosis.

Abstract

Granuloma pyogenicum is term introduced by Hartzell, 1 in 1904, to describe benign human tumor occurring on skin and mucous membranes. The etiology of this tumor is not fully established, though trauma and infection with pyogenic bacteria are frequently associated. Michelson 2 reported history of preceding trauma in 50% of the cases in his series, and Crocker 3 defined granuloma pyogenicum as a fungating tumor produced by pus cocci. These lesions are well described in the literature. 4 They occur at all ages and equally distributed between the sexes. The preferred sites are hands, feet, lips, face, upper part of trunk, and umbilical regions on the skin and the buccal, nasal, laryngeal, vaginal, and cervical mucosae. During gestation, they occur on oral mucosa frequently enough to have been given the special title of pregnancy tumor. 5 They present as vascular tumors, bright red