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Pregnancy Tumor

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space placeholder.What Is It?.
space placeholder.Symptoms.
space placeholder.Diagnosis.
space placeholder.Expected Duration.
space placeholder.Prevention.
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space placeholder.When To Call a Professional.
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space placeholder.What Is It?
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A pregnancy tumor is a harmless growth in the mouth. About 10% of pregnant women develop them, most frequently during the second trimester.

A pregnancy tumor is a red or purple bump. It can show up anywhere in the mouth, but it's often seen near the gumline. It is usually attached by a narrow stem of tissue. The bump bleeds easily. It may form an open sore or become crusted over. Pregnancy tumors range in size from only a few millimeters across to an inch or two.

Pregnancy tumors are not dangerous. Causes include:
  • Poor oral hygiene (not enough brushing, flossing or cleanings to remove food or plaque)
  • Irritation of the area (caused by the mouth's inflammatory response to the food or plaque)
  • Trauma
  • Hormonal changes — Some pregnancy tumors get smaller or disappear after the pregnancy is over.

There are many names for pregnancy tumors. They are also called:

  • Pyogenic granuloma
  • Pregnancy epulis or granuloma
  • Granuloma of pregnancy
  • Lobular capillary hemangioma
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space placeholder.Symptoms
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The main symptom is a red swelling on the gums or somewhere else in the mouth. It may bleed and be uncomfortable. It may also grow large quickly.

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space placeholder.Diagnosis
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Your dentist will examine your mouth. He or she may remove part or all of the bump in a procedure called a biopsy. The tissue removed is then sent to a laboratory for examination.
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space placeholder.Expected Duration
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Pregnancy tumors may disappear or shrink after a pregnant woman gives birth. Pregnancy tumors may be visible and embarrassing to the pregnant woman. In some cases, the swelling is removed for this reason.

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space placeholder.Prevention
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You can reduce the chances of getting a pregnancy tumor.
  • Have regular dental cleanings before you become pregnant.
  • Visit the dentist very early in your pregnancy for diagnosis and assessment of your dental health. The best time for dental treatment is during your second trimester.
  • Brush twice a day and floss every day, before and during your pregnancy.
  • After you brush, use an over-the-counter mouthwash that kills germs.
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space placeholder.Treatment
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Some pregnancy tumors have an obvious cause. If this cause is removed, the tumor will often stop growing. It may even shrink. For example, having a lot of tartar on your teeth can irritate your gums. This can cause a pregnancy tumor to grow. If your dentist cleans off the tartar, it may help to reduce the tumor.

If the tumor bothers you or makes it hard for you to eat, your dentist can remove it. The best time to do this is during the second trimester. You receive an injection (needle with medicine) to numb the area so you do not feel the tumor removal. Some women may need to see a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or a dentist with special training in pathology or oral medicine.

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space placeholder.When To Call a Professional
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Contact your dentist if you have a lump or swelling in your mouth.

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space placeholder.Prognosis
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Some pregnancy tumors come back even after they are taken out. The chance of the tumor coming back increases if the teeth are not cleaned, and if you don't improve brushing and flossing at home. If a pregnancy tumor is not treated, it can bother you and sometimes be painful. In some people, the tumor shrinks after birth.

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Last updated April 15, 2011
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