'Pregnancy tumour' of the nasal septum

The origins of pyogenic granulomas are subject to much debate. It is viewed as overexuberant growth of epithelium and capillary loops (i.e. granulation tissue) in response to trauma by some authorities, and is considered a capillary haemangioma with a unique lobular organization by others. Although the pathogenesis of the lesion is unclear, marked variation in sexual distribution suggests a hormonal factor, and the profound metabolic and endocrine changes in pregnancy seem to provide especially fertile soil for its growth. Its appearance and rapid rate of growth might easily lead the practitioner to mistake its identity for something more ominous.