Fibroepithelial
Polyp (Fibrous Epulis)
This
is a localised increase in flesh. It is a response to constant
irritation, such as through lip or tongue biting. It could be thought of
as the body's attempt to protect itself from physical injury. A similar
example is a callous on the hand. Digging the garden, by the unaccustomed,
can lead to thickening of part of the palm of the hand. In a similar way,
irritation of part of the lip, tongue or, cheek, can lead to increased flesh
production at the site of the injury. Once they become more prominent
they are more likely to be bitten or injured. Such lumps, therefore,
continue to grow slowly. Their appearance is similar to the mouth lining
and they are soft when pinched.
There are other small
lumps on the lips and mouth, such as mucous extravasation cysts or, a
collection of small blood vessels (haemangioma) . There are also other
varieties of unimportant tumours, most can be removed under local anaesthesia.
THE OPERATION
The lump is made numb . Local
anaesthetic also reduces the amount of bleeding. The lump is then removed
and the wound closed using dissolvable stitches. During the procedure any
bleeding is sucked away using a small instrument. After the operation,
the site of the surgery may feel swollen. This is partly due to the local
anaesthesia and partly due to the surgery. Once the numbness has worn off
the treated area may become painful. It would be advisable to have some
pain relief tablets. Some of the stitches may fall out within a few hours
after the surgery, but this is of no importance. Over the next day or
two, patches of numbness may be noticeable around the cut. The numb area
should diminish and disappear in time. At the site of the surgery the
scar feels like a new lump. Over the next few months this will
soften, and the shape and softness of the operated area should return to
normal. If further repeated injury continues, then the lump may recur,
but this is unusual.
