The Congenital Epulis in a 24-hour-old female neonate: A Case Report

Congenital Epulis in 24-hour-old female neonate

Abstract

Background Congenital epulis is an extremely rare tumour of the oral cavity. If not treated appropriately with surgery, it can lead to mechanical obstruction, resulting in feeding difficulty and respiratory failure during neonatal life.  Neonates with congenital epulis usually presents with mass protruding from the mouth, difficulty of breast sucking and difficulty of breathing. Diagnosis is usually suspected clinically and can be confirmed by histopathological examination of tissue excised from the mass. Multidisciplinary team management with surgical removal of the tumour is the main treatment option, and the outcome is usually excellent. Case Presentation

We present a very rare case of congenital epulis in a 24-hour-old female neonate after presenting with a big protruding mass from the oral cavity, resulting in feeding difficulty. The histopathological examination revealed an upper alveolar ridge granular cell tumour, and the tumour was removed by surgery. After a few hours of surgery, the neonate was able to feed without any difficulty and was discharged in good condition after 3 days of observation.

Conclusion Even though a begnin tumour, congenital epulis can lead to feeding difficulty by obstructing the oral cavity. With the appropriate multidisciplinary management, it can be corrected with a very good outcome.