[Localised (juvenile) spongiotic hyperplasia of the gingiva; a less common laesion]

A 49-year-old woman presented with a superficial, ulcerative laesion of approximately 7x3 mm of the marginal labial gingiva of the first upper incisor right. The laesion had returned twice after limited surgical excision. On the basis of a new, extensive excisional biopsy, additional investigation was carried out by the pathologist, which led to a diagnosis of localised (juvenile) spongiotic gingival hyperplasia (LJSGH). The aetiology of LJSGH is still unclear. A typical characteristic is the localised and solitary presence of the laesion. Localised (juvenile) spongiotic hyperplasia of the gingiva is most often seen on the marginal labial gingiva of the maxilla. The laesion can disappear spontaneously, but surgical excision is generally indicated due to the negative cosmetic effect and influence on oral hygiene. The risk of recurrence is high, particularly when the laesion is not radically removed.