A superlative case presentation of unilateral fibroepithelial hyperplasia in a pediatric patient

Abstract

Reactive lesions of the oral cavity are non-neoplastic tissue proliferations that can mimic benign tumors in clinical appearance. Examples include pyogenic granuloma, fibrous epulis, peripheral giant cell granuloma, fibro-epithelial polyp, peripheral ossifying fibroma, giant cell fibroma, and pregnancy-related epulis. Fibro-epithelial hyperplasia, a histological subtype of fibroma, is a proliferative fibrous lesion affecting the gingival tissue, often impairing both function and aesthetics. These lesions typically arise due to trauma, chronic inflammation, or from cellular components of the periodontium, periodontal ligament, or periosteum. This report discusses an uncommon case of unilateral fibro-epithelial hyperplasia in a six-year-old male child, identified through biopsy and histopathological examination. The lesion developed as a result of accidental cheek biting during mastication approximately ten days before it was noticed. The inflamed gingival tissue was surgically excised using a soft tissue laser under local anesthesia. The procedure was free of complications, and a six-month follow-up confirmed a favorable outcome. Early identification of common oral lesions in children enables timely management with minimal surgical intervention, ensuring better prognosis and recovery.