Recurrent post-partum pregnancy tumor: A case report

Abstract

Pregnancy tumor is a reactive hyperplasia of the connective tissue in response to local irritants. Hormonal changes have also been attributed as a likely cause of pregnancy tumors which is frequently seen during pregnancy. Increased levels of sex hormones during pregnancy affect the subgingival microflora, the immune system, the vasculature, and specific cells of the periodontium. This, combined with local irritants, can exacerbate the lesion. Clinically, these lesions appear as tumor-like, non-neoplastic growths in the oral cavity. Pregnancy tumor, typically does not recur after careful surgical excision and the correction of contributing factors. Histopathology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of the pregnancy tumors. This report presents a case of pregnancy tumor which reoccurred twice in a span of one year postpartum. The patient was followed up for one year after surgical excision, and no recurrence was detected. Recurrence is seldom when local factors are promptly addressed and with thorough surgical excision.