Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia that was difficult to differentially diagnose from malignancy: A case report

• Published in: Stomato-pharyngology Vol. 31; no. 2; pp. 203 - 207
• Main Authors: Tokunaga, Takahiro, Kato, Yukinori, Narita, Norihiko, Fujieda, Shigeharu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society of Stomato-pharyngology 2018
• Subjects: calcium channel blocker; drug-induced gingival hyperplasia; nifedipine
• ISSN: 0917-5105; 1884-4316
• DOI: 10.14821/stomatopharyngology.31.203

［Introduction］ Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia is a side effect mainly associated with drugs such as anticonvulsants （phenytoin）, immunosuppressants （cyclosporine A）, and calcium channel blockers （e.g., nifedipine, verapamil）. We report a case of drug-induced gingival hyperplasia that was difficult to differentially diagnose from malignancy. ［Case］ The patient was a 68-year-old man. His upper and lower gingivae had been swollen for 1 year. The results of a biopsy and imaging examination performed by his previous doctor suggested a malignant tumor, so he was referred to our department for further examination. Swelling extended throughout the upper and lower gingivae. His teeth were buried in the gingiva and misalignment was observed. Repeat biopsy showed no evidence of malignancy, and through a detailed interview, it was found that he took nifedipine. He was diagnosed with drug-induced gingival hyperplasia due to nifedipine. Alteration of his antihypertensive drug prescription and use of plaque control methods suggested by the dentist resulted in decreased gingival hyperplasia. ［Conclusion］ Drug-induced gingival hyperplasia is a noteworthy benign disease that may be diagnosed through a detailed interview.