PYOGENIC GRANULOMA Definition Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common reactive neoformation of the oral cavity, which is composed of granulation tissue and develops in response to local irritation or trauma

Definition Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common reactive neoformation of the oral cavity, which is composed of granulation tissue and develops in response to local irritation or trauma. Various different names have been given to this entity, reflecting, in part, mistaken concepts about its aetiopathogenesis: • Botryomycosis hominis • Botryomycoma • Telangiectatic granuloma • Benign pedunculated granuloma • Pseudobotryomycosis • Fibroangioma • Croker and Hartzell disease • Septic granuloma • Haemangiomatous granuloma • Lobular capillary haemangioma • Eruption capillary haemangioma The most widely used term is PG, although it does not adequately describe the lesion’s characteristics. The term “pyogenic” implies pus production related to an infectious aetiology; however, no pus-producing microorganisms are associated with PG. Moreover, the lesion is not a true “granuloma” (i.e. a specific type of persistent chronic inflammation). A lesion clinically and microscopically identical to PG may develop from the gingivae of pregnant women. Different names have been used to describe this entity, including pregnancy tumour, epulis, or granuloma, and granuloma gravidarum. Nonetheless, identical cases occur in patients with hormonal changes associated with puberty, menopause, or use of anti-contraceptive medication. Thus, the correct name for this entity is hormonal tumour (HT). Between 0.5% and 5% of pregnant females develop pathological growths in the gums, which are diagnosed as HTs.