Oral Pyogenic Granuloma in a Child: Suspected Hormonal and Traumatic Factors, Clinical Features, and Surgical Management

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign vascular lesion that manifests as an inflammatory hyperplasia of the skin or mucous membranes. Although termed "pyogenic," PG is not associated with infection; rather, it represents a reactive lesion arising in response to various stimuli such as low-grade local irritation, trauma, or hormonal influences. Clinically, PGs are typically asymptomatic and display variable growth rates. We report the case of a nine-year-old girl referred for evaluation of a gingival mass. Clinical examination revealed a well-defined soft tissue lesion without underlying bone involvement. The patient reported a parafunctional habit of gingival scratching, possibly contributing to the lesion's development, along with a hormonal component given her prepubertal status. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed under local anesthesia using a scalpel, with preservation of the adjacent teeth. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma. The differential diagnosis included peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma, and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, highlighting the importance of histological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.