Congenital Epulis: A Rare Head And Neck Tumor in the Newborn

Abstract

Congenital epulis is a rare tumor; when voluminous and ulcerated, appearance can generate concern. Nevertheless, it is a benign lesion that is easily treated with surgery. This is a retrospective study, with the presentation of 2 cases treated by the same team from 2016 to 2020 and a bibliographic review (PubMed and Elsiever). This surgical team is based in Buenos Aires, working in the private medical system. Congenital epulis is an infrequent, benign tumor affecting females predominantly, appearing at birth on the alveolar median ridge of the maxilla. Its pathogenesis is uncertain. Voluminous tumors interfere with feeding, but respiratory interference is exceptional. Histologically, this tumor is similar to the granular cell tumor but has different clinical characteristics and Periodic Acid Schiff stain. Prenatal diagnosis with ecographic or magnetic resonance imaging is ideal; if undiagnosed prenatally, clinical diagnosis is done based on typical features. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.