This chapter discusses only cutaneous and oral involvement. The precise mechanism for the development of pyogenic granuloma is unknown. Trauma, hormonal influences, viral oncogenes, underlying microscopic arteriovenous malformations, and the production of angiogenic growth factors have all been postulated to play a role. The latter may rarely be severe enough to cause anemia. Lesions that recur despite repeated excisions can be particularly problematic.
Frequency appears to be similar in all races.
Females are affected more commonly due to the pregnancy tumor phenomenon. The mean age of presentation is 6.7 years. Otherwise, aside from those lesions occurring in pregnancy, the frequency declines linearly with age. The common solitary pyogenic granuloma grows rapidly to its maximum size over a period of a few weeks. Patients may complain of a glistening red lesion that bleeds spontaneously or after trauma.