Reactive hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity

Peripheral reactive lesions of soft tissue are common oral lesions that dentists face during routine examinations. Diagnosis and development of a treatment plan is difficult if dentists are not aware of the prevalence and clinical symptoms of these lesions. The frequency of these lesions differs across various populations. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and distribution of oral reactive lesions over a period of 7 years (2006-2012).

In this retrospective study, available records from the archives of the Department of Pathology, Dental School and the two main hospitals in southeast of Iran (Zahedan) over a period of 7 years (2006-2012) were reviewed. Information relating to the type of reactive lesion, age, gender and location was extracted and recorded on data forms. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (V.18) using the chi-square and Fisher's exact test.

Of 451 oral lesions, 91 cases (20.2%) were reactive hyperplastic lesions. The most common lesions were pyogenic granuloma and irritation fibroma, respectively. These lesions were more frequent in women (60%) than men (40%). The most common locations of involvement were the gingiva and alveolar mucosa of the mandible, and lesions were more common in the 21-40-year age group. The relationship between age group and reactive lesions was statistically significant (P=0.01).

The major findings in this study are broadly similar to the results of previous studies, with differences observed in some cases. However, knowledge of the frequency and distribution of these lesions is beneficial when establishing a diagnosis and treatment plan in clinical practice.