A newborn with an oral mass on maxillary alveolar ridge: A case report

A congenital epulis, also known as a granular cell tumor of the newborn or Neumann’s tumor, is a rare benign lesion observed in newborns. Literature on its diagnosis, treatment, and particularly long-term follow-up findings remains limited. This unique tumor typically arises from the maxillary alveolar ridge, potentially interfering with feeding and, in some cases, obstructing the airway. Careful management is crucial to achieving successful outcomes. This case report describes the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of a congenital epulis until 28 months of age. A healthy female newborn presented soon after birth with a large mass protruding from the anterior maxilla. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast was performed to accurately delineate the lesion’s borders and rule out vascular involvement. Imaging revealed a hypointense mass in the left anterior maxilla measuring approximately 2 cm in all dimensions, with no vascular involvement. The lesion was surgically excised at two weeks of age using electrosurgery and sharp dissection under general anesthesia. Follow-up at 28 months revealed no recurrence of the mass; however, unique sequelae were observed. The primary left central incisor was absent, and the primary left lateral incisor was malformed.