Pyogenic granuloma

What is a pyogenic granuloma?

A pyogenic granuloma is a small, harmless growth that appears on the skin. It appears as an overgrowth of tiny blood vessels that form a pink, red, or purple bump. These bumps are quite small, usually not larger than 1cm across. Although it may look concerning, it’s not a type of cancer, it’s not contagious and doesn’t result from an infection.

Pyogenic granulomas are often found on the hand, fingers or face. They can be fragile and may ooze and bleed if touched. These raised and moist bumps are usually painless but can cause inflammation in the surrounding skin.

They have many names including lobular capillary haemangioma. They’re also known as granuloma gravidarum or pregnancy tumour when they happen during pregnancy.^[1]

Where do pyogenic granulomas appear?

Pyogenic granulomas often show up on the fingers and face. Oral pyogenic granulomas appear inside the mouth and appear as bumps on the lips or gums (gingiva). These bumps can vary in size and may have a yellowish, pink or red colour.

They can also be found in other places like the eyes, nose and scalp. Ocular (of the eyes) pyogenic granulomas can affect the eyelid or the conjunctiva (the thin tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids).

Who gets pyogenic granulomas?

Pyogenic granulomas can affect people of any age, race or gender. They are more commonly seen in children around 6 years old, teenagers, young adults and pregnant people. During pregnancy, they are often referred to as granuloma gravidarum, granuloma of pregnancy, or epulis gravidarum.

More men than women tend to get pyogenic granulomas (out of every five people who get them, three will be male). However, oral pyogenic granulomas are more common in women during pregnancy or when using birth control pills.^[2]

How common are pyogenic granulomas?

Pyogenic granulomas are fairly common, particularly in pregnant women. But it’s difficult to know exactly how many cases there are because many people don’t report them.

What causes pyogenic granulomas?

We’re not exactly sure what causes pyogenic granulomas. However, doctors have noticed that they can happen after minor injuries or irritation. Nasal piercings, for instance, can cause pyogenic granulomas in the nose. Some cases have also been linked to hormonal changes, such as when taking birth control pills or during pregnancy.

Infections with Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria, can also be linked to pyogenic granulomas. And sometimes poor oral hygiene can lead to Staphylococcus aureus infections in the mouth.

And lastly, certain medications have been associated with pyogenic granulomas, too. These include some medicines used for HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, and drugs that weaken the immune system.^[1]

What are the symptoms of a pyogenic granuloma?

Pyogenic granulomas are skin bumps that can appear in different colours like pink, red or purple. They grow quickly, starting from a few millimetres (the tip of a pencil), but usually reaching no more than 1cm (about half an inch). Some people describe them as looking like ground beef. And sometimes they have a scaly, white ring at the bottom.

Usually you only have one, but sometimes there can be more. As they grow, they can be attached to the skin by a stalk-like structure (in which case they’re called pedunculated) or they can grow directly on the skin (when they’re called sessile). The main problem with pyogenic granulomas is that they can ooze and bleed, but they don’t usually cause pain.^[2]

Can pyogenic granulomas lead to other problems?

Pyogenic granulomas are harmless bumps made of tiny blood vessels on the skin. They’re not cancerous and don’t cause any long-term problems.