Pyogenic Granuloma
Pronunciation: py-oh-JEN-ik GRAN-yoo-LOH-mah
Also written as: PG — Pyogenic Granuloma
A common benign vascular reactive lesion of the oral mucosa, despite its name containing no pus and no true granulomatous inflammation.
Full Definition
Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a misnomer: it is neither pyogenic (pus-forming) nor a true granuloma. It is a reactive hyperplastic lesion composed of lobular proliferations of capillaries within an oedematous fibrous stroma, frequently associated with local irritants, trauma, or hormonal changes (notably in pregnancy, where it is termed 'epulis gravidarum'). Editors should be aware that use of the term 'granuloma' here is purely conventional and does not indicate granulomatous inflammation. The term should not be altered to 'angiogranuloma' or 'lobular capillary haemangioma' without author/clinical confirmation, even though the latter is considered more accurate by some authorities.
Usage
Usage note: Do not 'correct' this misnomer without author agreement. Note that 'epulis gravidarum' is an acceptable context-specific synonym in obstetric/dental literature.
In Context
- "The gingival swelling in the second trimester was diagnosed as a pyogenic granuloma, also called epulis gravidarum." — Case report
- "The editor confirmed that 'pyogenic granuloma' was used correctly as a proper noun and should not be changed to 'lobular capillary haemangioma' without author approval." — Copy-editing note