Pyogenic Granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma is a growth (lesion) that forms on the skin or on the mucous membranes of the mouth. This type of growth is a lump of very red tissue that bleeds easily. A pyogenic granuloma is usually a single lesion that most often affects the:
• Head and neck.
• Mucous membranes of the mouth or tongue.
• Upper body.
• Hands and feet.
A pyogenic granuloma usually measures about 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) , but lesions can be smaller or larger. This condition does not spread from person to person (not contagious). The lesion is not cancerous (benign).

CAUSES
A pyogenic granuloma results from a reaction of your skin or mucous membranes. The reaction causes a mound of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) to form a lesion. …show more content…
• People who take certain medicines, especially acne treatment drugs, birth control pills, and some medicines used to treat cancer or HIV/AIDS.

SYMPTOMS
A raised or lumpy lesion that is very red is the main sign of this condition. The lesion may also:
• Have a crusty, ulcerated surface.
• Bleed easily.
• Be slightly sore.

DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history, especially if you recently had an injury. Your health care provider will also do a physical exam. Your health care provider may remove a small piece of the granuloma for testing (biopsy) to rule out cancer.

TREATMENT
A small lesion may go away without treatment. You may have to stop or change any medicines that caused the lesion. Pyogenic granulomas caused by pregnancy usually go away after delivery.
You may need to have the lesion removed if it is large, irritated, or bleeds easily. This may involve:
• Scraping away the lesion (curettage).
• Using chemicals or electric energy to destroy the lesion.
• Removing the lesion along with a small piece of normal skin or mucous membrane (surgical excision). This is the best treatment to prevent the lesion from coming back.

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