Pyogenic granulomas are small (<1 cm) vascular tumors composed of abnormal capillaries and granulation tissue. They commonly occur in young adults, particularly pregnant women, likely due to the normal pregnancy-mediated increase in vascular endothelial growth factor that may promote pyogenic granuloma growth.
Pyogenic granulomas are typically found on the hands (particularly the fingers), trunk, and oral mucosa/gingiva (more common in pregnancy). They typically arise slowly over a few weeks to months and characteristically bleed with minor trauma. Diagnosis is clinically based. Treatment options include surgical excision, laser therapy, and topical treatments (eg, silver nitrate). However, lesions occurring during pregnancy usually regress postpartum and may not require treatment.