Reactive gingival lesions: a multicenter study of 8,625 cases from South America

This study analyzed the frequency and clinical features of reactive gingival lesions (RGL) across South America.

This observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study was based on retrospective data from 10 oral pathology centers in Brazil and Argentina (1996-2022). Cases of RGL with a confirmed histopathological diagnosis were included. The variables analyzed comprised age, sex, skin color, anatomical site, clinical characteristics of the lesion, biopsy type, and clinical diagnostic hypothesis. Data were obtained from histopathological reports and analyzed descriptively and analytically.

RGL accounted for 6.1% (n = 8,625) of oral biopsies. Females were more frequently affected (n = 5,851; 68.1%) with a median age of 47 years. The most common lesions were inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (40.8%), fibrous hyperplasia (21.3%), and pyogenic granuloma (16.1%). Most cases were asymptomatic (88.6%), sessile (64.9%), and exhibited red/pink coloration. Clinical-histopathological agreement was minimal (kappa = 0.229), with giant cell fibroma showing the lowest level of agreement.

RGL represent a relevant proportion of oral biopsies in South America and predominantly affect adult women. Their clinical presentation is largely nonspecific, reinforcing diagnostic challenges in routine practice. Inclusion of less emphasized entities, such as giant cell fibroma and traumatic neuroma, broadens the clinical perspective.