EPULIS
Is the bump in my dog's mouth an epulis?
What is an epulis?
An epulis is a benign tumor (not cancer) of the mouth that is usually situated on the gum near the incisors or canine teeth. There are three general types of these oral masses in the canine mouth:
1. Fibromatous epulides consist of tough, fibrous tissue.
2. Ossifying epulides consist of fibrous tissue as well as bone cells. These may transform into malignant (cancer) tumors.
3. Acanthomatous epulides are fibrous tumors that are more invasive and may grow into surrounding bone.
What causes an epulis?
The cause of epulides (the pleural for epulis) is unknown, but they are more common in older dogs.
What signs are associated with an epulis?
An epulis may be found during an oral examination at the veterinarian before your pet shows any symptoms. The tumor is usually the same color as the gum tissue, may have a smooth or rough surface, and may be attached to the gum via a peduncle
(a stalk-like structure). As the epulis enlarges, your pet may drool, have bad breath, bleed from the area, and lose his or her appetite. There is often more than one epulis present.
How is an epulis diagnosed?
An epulis may be suspected based on its appearance and location, but a biopsy is needed for definitive diagnosis. Other oral masses include chondroma, osteoma, hemangioma, squameous cell carcinoma, melanoma, papilloma, fibroma, and histiocytoma.
How is an epulis treated?
Surgery is required to remove the epulis. A wide margin is frequently taken (possibly including some bone) to decrease the probability that the epulis will return. Even with wide margins the epulis may return. Sometimes the teeth next to the epulis will need to be removed. Large epulides may also be treated with chemotherapy and radiation.
What is the prognosis?
If the epulis is small and completely surgically removed, the prognosis is good. The larger the tumor the more likely it will regrow. Acanthomatous epulides have a guarded prognosis since they are much more difficult to completely remove.
An epulis is a benign tumor (not cancer) of the mouth that is usually situated on the gum near the incisors or canine teeth. There are three general types of these oral masses in the canine mouth:
1. Fibromatous epulides consist of tough, fibrous tissue.
2. Ossifying epulides consist of fibrous tissue as well as bone cells. These may transform into malignant (cancer) tumors.
3. Acanthomatous epulides are fibrous tumors that are more invasive and may grow into surrounding bone.
What causes an epulis?
The cause of epulides (the pleural for epulis) is unknown, but they are more common in older dogs.
What signs are associated with an epulis?
An epulis may be found during an oral examination at the veterinarian before your pet shows any symptoms. The tumor is usually the same color as the gum tissue, may have a smooth or rough surface, and may be attached to the gum via a peduncle
(a stalk-like structure). As the epulis enlarges, your pet may drool, have bad breath, bleed from the area, and lose his or her appetite. There is often more than one epulis present.
How is an epulis diagnosed?
An epulis may be suspected based on its appearance and location, but a biopsy is needed for definitive diagnosis. Other oral masses include chondroma, osteoma, hemangioma, squameous cell carcinoma, melanoma, papilloma, fibroma, and histiocytoma.
How is an epulis treated?
Surgery is required to remove the epulis. A wide margin is frequently taken (possibly including some bone) to decrease the probability that the epulis will return. Even with wide margins the epulis may return. Sometimes the teeth next to the epulis will need to be removed. Large epulides may also be treated with chemotherapy and radiation.
What is the prognosis?
If the epulis is small and completely surgically removed, the prognosis is good. The larger the tumor the more likely it will regrow. Acanthomatous epulides have a guarded prognosis since they are much more difficult to completely remove.
