Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia: Uncommon or misdiagnosed?

Abstract

Oral ulcers with different presentations and etiologies are common findings in a dental clinical practice. Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE) is a rare, solitary, self-limiting lesion that may persist from weeks to months. Its indurated margins combined with its rapid development and delayed healing are often confused with oral malignancy and are frequently neglected or more concerningly misdiagnosed by clinicians due to limited knowledge and awareness. The cause, although still rather debated, is believed to be trauma. We present a case of TUGSE in a 65-year-old Chinese male who presented with a history of a painful, nonhealing ulcer of 2 months in duration on the labial mucosa. The ulcer clinically mimicked oral squamous cell carcinoma clinically. There was no evidence of lymph node involvement. With the patient's history and excisional biopsy results, the lesion was diagnosed as TUGSE.