Pathology · single question
A pregnant woman has a pedunculated, red, highly vascular gingival mass that bleeds easily. Histology shows lobular capillary proliferation. What is the most likely diagnosis?
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Correct answer: A. Pyogenic granuloma (pregnancy tumor)
Pyogenic granuloma (pregnancy tumor) is a benign, highly vascular gingival lesion during pregnancy driven by elevated progesterone/estrogen. Red, pedunculated, easily bleeding. Histology: lobular capillary proliferation. Treat conservatively after delivery.
- A. CORRECT. Pyogenic granuloma = pregnancy tumor. Hormonal exaggeration of response to local irritants. Questions #156 and #191.
- B. Kaposi sarcoma is associated with HIV/AIDS — multiple purple/red lesions, not pregnancy-specific.
- C. Peripheral giant cell granuloma is dark-red/blue-purple, typically near edentulous ridges, contains multinucleated giant cells histologically.
- D. Peripheral ossifying fibroma is firmer, pinker, and often calcified — arises from PDL.