Congenital epulis of the tongue: A case report and review of the literature

Congenital epulis of the newborn, also known as congenital granular cell tumour, or Neumann’s tumour, is a rare benign tumour. The neoplasm occurs more frequently in the alveolar ridge of the maxilla near the canine than in the mandibular alveolus and has rarely been reported on the tongue. This lesion occurs 10 times more frequently in female infants than male infants suggesting hormonal involvement during embryonic development. However, the exact etiology and pathogenesis remain unknown. Congenital epulis may be sessile or pedunculated, normally coloured or reddish, vary in size from several millimetres to a few centimetres in diameter, be single or multiple, and may interfere with respiration or feeding. Histologically, the tumour mass comprises large, round cells with abundant eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, and round or oval lightly basophilic nuclei. Diagnosis is often made postnatally during neonatal care. However, prenatal diagnosis is critical in determining the route of delivery as well as planning early multidisciplinary postnatal management as the mass may obstruct the airway during the perinatal period. The recommended treatment is prompt surgical excision, although spontaneous regression has been reported in a few cases. Case report