What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• IPEH of the Oral Mucosa
• Masson's Tumor of the Mouth
• Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Oral Cavity

What is Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth? (Definition/Background Information)

• Papillary endothelial hyperplasia is a reactive condition of a blood vessel that may occur at any location; it may be seen at superficial sites or at soft tissue locations. It leads to the formation of a single, small mass under the skin. The most common location is the thumb, while the arms and legs, head and neck region may also be affected
• Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth is an unusual location for this formation to develop. It may occur on the lower or upper lip or the tongue. It is also known as Masson's Tumor of the Mouth
• The cause of development the condition is unknown. In majority of the cases, there are no significant signs and symptoms, or complications associated with Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth, apart from the visible presence of a lesion on the oral mucosa
• It is very important for dentists and dermatologists to be aware of this condition in order to avoid a misdiagnosis and prevent unnecessary aggressive treatments
• The condition may be treated through a simple excision. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth is generally excellent

Who gets Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth may be observed in individuals of all ages
• It may affect both males and females
• There is no racial, ethnic, or geographical predilection observed

What are the Risk Factors for Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth include preexisting vascular conditions such as:

• Varicose veins
• Hemangiomas
• Pyogenic granulomas
• Lymphangiomas
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of formation of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth is unknown
• Some researchers believe that it is a reactive process to a trauma, or a reactive process occurring in an existing benign vascular tumor
• Research is currently being performed to identify the relevant causative factors

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth?

The signs and symptoms associated with Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth may include:

• The appearance of a small and solitary mass in the mouth or oral mucosa
• It may be present on either the upper or lower lip, the tongue, or the buccal mucosa
• Eating, swallowing, and speaking difficulties may be noted in some cases

How is Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth Diagnosed?

Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth may be diagnosed using the following tools:

• Complete physical exam and evaluation of medical history
• Examination of the mouth by a dermatologist or a dentist: Since the mouth is an unusual location for this tumor, Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth may tend to be misdiagnosed
• Tissue biopsy: A biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Note: It is important to consider a differential diagnosis and eliminate other malignant tumor types, since a misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary aggressive treatments by the healthcare provider, which may be totally unwarranted.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth?

• In majority of the cases, there are no significant complications associated with Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth
• However, the condition may cause cosmetic issues in some individuals, depending on its location

How is Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth Treated?

The treatment of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth may include the following:

• A simple surgical excision of the vascular formation is the treatment of choice and is curative
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth be Prevented?

Currently, there are no effective measures available to prevent Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth.

What is the Prognosis of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth is excellent, since it is a benign condition that does not cause any significant signs and symptoms or complications in most cases. It may be removed through a simple surgical excision.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia of the Mouth:

A differential diagnosis may be considered to eliminate the following conditions:

• Angiosarcoma
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
• Hemangioma
• Lymphangioma
• Pyogenic granuloma
• Varicose vein