Oral Tumors in Newborn

Abstract

Tumors arising from the oral cavity in the newborn are rare. Congenital epulis and epignathus are the two lesions usually seen. They cause problems because of their position and size and have the potential to cause respiratory obstruction. These lesions must be diagnosed and excised early, as they have an excellent prognosis if treated properly. We describe two such patients, and provide a brief review of the literature to highlight the management strategy for these rare tumors.

Neonatal oral tumors: congenital epulis and epignathus

“…Congenital epulis and epignathus or oropharyngeal teratoma are both extremely rare intraoral tumors of the newborn and are much more common in females [1,3,4]. The etiology is unknown and there is still controversy regarding the exact cell of origin in cases of epulis, but epignathi are thought to arise from pleuripotential cells in the region of Rathke's pouch that grow in a disorganized manner and contain well-differentiated cell lines derived from all 3 germ cell layers [1,4].…”

“…The etiology is unknown and there is still controversy regarding the exact cell of origin in cases of epulis, but epignathi are thought to arise from pleuripotential cells in the region of Rathke's pouch that grow in a disorganized manner and contain well-differentiated cell lines derived from all 3 germ cell layers [1,4]. Congenital oral tumors are commonly recognized at birth or just after birth except in instances where the tumor is very small and causing no obvious symptoms.…”

“…Kumar, S.B. Sharma these 2 entities is not necessary as surgical excision is the treatment of choice in both [1]. A plain radiograph to check the calcification of mass and a CT scan are recommended for evaluation of any bony defect or intracranial extension of mass [6].…”

“…Congenital oral tumors protruding from the mouth of the newborn are rare [1]. These lesions have the potential to cause the death of the child from asphyxia during the perinatal and postnatal period due to respiratory obstruction and may need urgent surgical intervention [1,2].…”

“…These lesions have the potential to cause the death of the child from asphyxia during the perinatal and postnatal period due to respiratory obstruction and may need urgent surgical intervention [1,2]. Congenital epulis or granular cell tumor and epignathus or oropharyngeal teratoma are the 2 rare lesions presenting like this and very few centers have experience with both these lesions [1] (Figs. 1 and 2).…”