10/16/2025
Pyogenic granuloma of the mouth — also called a lobular capillary hemangioma — is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of the oral tissues that occurs as an exaggerated response to local irritation or trauma. Despite its name, it is not actually caused by infection (“pyogenic” = pus-producing) nor is it a true granuloma.
When this lesion occurs during pregnancy, it is called a pregnancy tumor or granuloma gravidarum — but it’s the same histologic lesion.
🔹 Why it happens in pregnancy
• Hormonal changes (especially increased estrogen and progesterone) make the gingival tissues more sensitive to local irritation from plaque or calculus.
• The result is a rapidly growing, red, vascular lesion, a pyogenic granuloma modified by pregnancy hormones.