Retrospective analysis of the clinical features of 530 cases of reactive lesions of oral cavity

Abstract

Background: Most common localized reactive lesions of oral cavity are focal fibrous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma (PG), irritational fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG), peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF), fibro-epithelial hyperplasia/polyp, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and inflammatory gingival hyperplasia. Clinically, these reactive lesions often present diagnostic challenges because they mimic different groups of pathologic processes. The aim of this paper is to document the occurrence, distribution of clinical features of reactive lesions of oral cavity in 15 years of clinical practice in Raichur, Karnataka. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective archival review of 530 cases of focal reactive lesions of the oral cavity. The cases for inclusion in this study were PG, PGCG, POF, irritational fibroma, fibro-epithelial hyperplasia/polyp, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and inflammatory gingival hyperplasia. Clinical data of each patient such as age, gender, location, and treatment were retrieved from the records. Results: Inflammatory gingival hyperplasia was the most prevalent lesion and followed by PG. The age ranged from 7 to 63 years, with a mean age of 40.5 years. 261 cases were males and 269 cases were females. Male to female ratio being 1:1. With the exception of PG and inflammatory gingival hyperplasia, all reactive lesions were more common in males. Gingiva with 470 cases was the most frequent site of reactive lesions, followed by buccal mucosa and palate. Conclusion: Reported results on the age, gender, and location of the individual types of lesions are not consistent in different studies. Some of the differences may be attributed to the geographic or ethnic factors. Nevertheless, there is need for more epidemiological studies to establish a better and adequate program to educate general population. Inaddition an early diagnosis and elimination of such lesions may minimize possible dentoalveolar complications.