Inflammatory hyperplasias of the oral mucosa

Reactive inflammatory hyperplastic lesions of the oral mucous membranes comprise one of the most common pathological conditions seen in the oral cavity. Over the years, these "lumps and bumps" have been given a wide variety of names and have engendered a spectrum of theories regarding pathogenesis. This article presents a brief overview of these conditions from the perspective of those lesions that are "common" and those that are "not so common." Clinical examples are featured and, while their pathogenesis receives some comment, no attempt has been made to present either an in-depth discussion or a detailed histomorphological description of the various entities. The accompanying bibliography provides sufficient reference material for those wishing more detail regarding reactive hyperplasias of the oral mucosa.