In search of an appropriate clinical diagnostic term with indefinite etiology. A case series on lobular capillary hemangioma

Lobular capillary hemangioma, a benign vascular tumor of the skin or mucous membranes characterized by rapid growth and a friable surface, is widely but inappropriately termed pyogenic granuloma (now considered a misnomer by some theories) due to lack of evidence for infectious etiopathogenesis. Some studies promote the theory of a hyperplastic, neovascular response to an angiogenic stimulus with imbalance of promoters and inhibitors.

Here we present a series of 4 cases of patients who visited the Oral Medicine OPD with a complaint of similar painless malformations showing granulomatous and/or fibrous tissue proliferation andwhich, after thorough history taking, clinical examination and excisional biopsy, were revealed to be lobular capillary hemangioma under histopathologic diagnosis.

The following discussion revolves around the fact that, even though such exophytic lesions may present with variable features, a proper, accurate and logical diagnostic entity may be used to help in better coordination among the oral physician, oral pathologist and oral surgeon in framing the desired treatment plan.