Localized hyperplastic lesions of the gingiva: a clinicopathological study of 302 lesions.

A study was made of a series of 302 consecutive cases of localized hyperplastic lesions of the gingiva (epulides). The lesions were classified into five groups: pyogenic granuloma, calcifying fibroblastic granuloma, fibrous hyperplasia, peripheral giant cell granuloma and denture hyperplasia. The study indicates that there are some differences in age and sex distribution as well as in location between the different histological groups. Pyogenic granuloma was found to be the most common lesion on the gingiva. Pyogenic granuloma and calcifying fibroblastic granuloma occur in younger patients more often than fibrous hyperplasia, and thus may represent a stage in the development of fibrous hyperplasia. Denture hyperplasia occurs predominantly in females and it is suggested that its formation may be affected by hormonal alterations in the menopause.