Congenital epulis: a rare diagnosis of newborn

Abstract

Congenital epulis is a rare benign soft tissue lesion that occurs exclusively in neonates and usually develops from the alveolar mucosa at the frontal region of the maxilla. Lesions may be sessile or pedunculated, normal in color or reddish and vary in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Although spontaneous regression has also been reported, surgical excision is indicated for large tumors that may obstruct the airway and make feeding the child difficult. In this case report, we present a rare case of congenital epulis involving the right side of the maxillary alveolar mucosa in a neonate delivered vaginally at Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavreplanchok, Nepal. The lesion was surgically removed by electrocautery, and histologic examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of congenital epulis. No complications occurred after surgery, and when the child was examined 6 months later, no evidence of recurrence noticed.