[Benign gingival granular cell tumor in the newborn: congenital epulis]

Gingival granular cell tumor, or congenital epulis, was first described by Neumman in 1871 and subsequently 201 cases have been published in 173 patients. It is an uncommon benign tumor that is present like a pedunculated, smooth surfaced, isolated lesion on the alveolar mucosa of the maxillar of the newborn child. Its firm consistency and variable size can occasionally cause problems in the child's breathing or feeding. This tumor is easily diagnosed clinically and, although spontaneous regression of the tumor mass has occasionally been reported, the current treatment is surgical removal. Two new cases of congenital epulis are reported and a literature review is included.