Methods: Files from the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology registry of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences from 2003 to 2013 were searched for cases recorded as “soft (connective) tissue tumors and tumor-like lesions” in children. This study included 51 cases based on location within the oral region, diagnosis of soft tissue tumor, clinical information, and age≤12.
Results: Of the 51 cases, 30 tumors occurred in males, 21 in females (ratio 1.4:1). The mean age was 8.17 years. The common location was gingiva (80.39%). Peripheral giant cell granuloma was the commonest lesion (n=19), followed by pyogenic granuloma (n=14) and focal fibrous hyperplasia (n=6). All the lesions were benign.
Conclusions: Peripheral giant cell granuloma and pyogenic granuloma were the most common oral soft tissue tumor in children. The gingiva was the commonest site. The relatively high incidence of inflammatory and reactive lesions in pediatric patients implies the importance of careful oral hygiene in children. Fortunately, the frequency of benign soft tissue tumors in children was much more than the malignant counterpart.