Two interesting epulis, a congenital epulis (granular cell tumor) and extremely enlarged ossifying epulis were reported.
The first case was a congenital epulis found in a newborn. Firm, slightly reddish mass (18×11×10 mm) had formed on the lower gums. The lump-shaped tumor was extirpated under the diagnosis of congenital epulis. The histopathologic findings revealed typical features of granular cell tumor composed of large polygonal cells possessing eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules and polarized nuclei. Immunohistochemically, proteins such as carcinoembriogenic antigen, a-fetoprotein, vimentin, desmin, lysozyme and keratins were fully negative but positive for S-100 protein stain. From the results above, this tumor was mostly suspected to be neurogcnic in its origin.
The second case was a extremely giant ossifying epulis. A peclunculted large and strongly firm, slowly growing painless tumor was found on the left side of the upper jaw of a 33-year female. The hard tumor had enlarged beyond the teeth to reach the median line on the palate. The extirpated tumor was composed of proliferating dense fibrous tissue and abundant ossifying spicules with mild cell infiltration. Fibroblasts seemed young with large hyperchromatic nuclei, but no osteo-blast could be observed. The histopathologic features indicated that osteofibrous epulis a type of ossifying epulis, was most suitable for this tumor.
Adding with the report of two cases above, some clinical and histopathologic characteristics of epulis were discussed with guidance of the published studies.
