Prevalence of pregnancy related oral granuloma in a Nigerian Population group and the possible role of contraceptives

Abstract

A clinicopathological survey on pregnancy related tumours was carried out on 400 randomly selected pregnant Nigerian women. Fifteen (15) cases of pregnancy granuloma or 'epulis gravidanum' were found. Of these subjects, 287 representing 71.8 percent were on birth control before conception, while 113 or 28.2 percent were not. Nine (9) eases of pregnancy tumour were found in the group on birth control pills and six (6) in the group not on birth control representing an incidence of 3.1 and 5.3 percent respectively. Literature review indicate a general incidence of between 0-2.5 percent. Five of the granulomas regressed post-partum. while ten were excised. Patients were followed 1 -2 years post-partum and no recurrence was recorded, eve n in patients who have re-commenced on contraceptives.