CONGENITAL EPULIS IN NEONATE: CASE REPORT AND CHALLENGES OF INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE

Introduction: Congenital epulis is a rare benign neoplasm composed of mesenchymal tissue, which presents as a sessile or pedunculated gingival tumor with a normochromic appearance and variable size. Although benign, it may compromise the newborn’s sucking reflex and feeding ability. Objective: To describe the clinical and surgical management of congenital epulis in a newborn, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and the restoration of oral functionality and breastfeeding. Methodology: Observational case report conducted according to the Surgical Case Report guideline, involving a newborn delivered vaginally, without complications and with parameters appropriate for gestational age, at a maternal and child teaching hospital in southern Brazil. Results: In the first hours of life, the patient was referred to the neonatal care unit due to breastfeeding difficulties associated with a prominent tumor mass in the oral cavity. Physical examination revealed four lesions, three mandibular and one maxillary, compromising the sucking reflex. The lesions were diagnosed as congenital epulis, requiring nasogastric nutritional support and surgical intervention. The main lesion evolved to necrosis and detached spontaneously on the third day. After removal of the remaining lesions, there was restoration of gingival alignment, recovery of the sucking reflex, and initiation of breastfeeding. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ulcerated granular cell epulis. During follow-up, there was no recurrence or respiratory or feeding complications. Conclusion: Early diagnosis enables immediate intervention, preventing complications and promoting complete functional and nutritional recovery of the newborn, particularly regarding breastfeeding.