Epulis
Pronunciation: eh-PYOO-lis (pl. eh-PYOO-li-deez)
A clinical descriptive term for a localised, benign soft-tissue swelling arising from the gingiva or alveolar mucosa, encompassing several histologically distinct entities.
Full Definition
Epulis (from Greek: 'upon the gum') is a non-specific clinical term that describes a gingival swelling rather than a specific diagnosis. The three main histological types are the fibrous epulis (fibroepithelial polyp), the vascular epulis (pyogenic granuloma), and the giant cell epulis (peripheral giant cell granuloma). A fourth type, the congenital epulis of the newborn, is a rare but distinct entity arising on the alveolar ridge in neonates. Editors should understand that 'epulis' functions as a collective clinical descriptor, and the specific histological diagnosis should accompany it in formal reports. The plural is 'epulides'.
Usage
Usage note: Use 'epulides' as the plural. In formal diagnostic writing, always pair the clinical term 'epulis' with a histological qualifier. Do not use as a stand-alone diagnosis.
In Context
- "The biopsy report reclassified the clinically described epulis as a peripheral giant cell granuloma on histological grounds." — Histopathology report
- "Editors must note that 'epulides' is the correct plural of 'epulis' and that the singular form is used for a single lesion." — Style guide note