Makindo Medical Notes"One small step for man, one large step for Makindo" |
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“Gingival enlargement” is the preferred umbrella term since the distinction between hyperplasia (↑ cell number) and hypertrophy (↑ cell size) is often blurred. Biopsy can differentiate histologically, but is rarely needed in day-to-day clinical practice. Enlargement may be localised (focal) or diffuse and often reflects systemic or drug-related processes.
Most gingival enlargement is drug-related or due to poor oral hygiene. Always ask: Could this be AML? — especially if associated with systemic symptoms.