Mohamed Babiker Idris Elhag
Background: Pyogenic granuloma is a benign reactive vascular lesion commonly affecting the oral cavity. Although usually involving the gingiva, lesions arising from the buccal mucosa are uncommon and may mimic oral malignancy. We report a case initially presenting in a Family Medicine clinic in Qatar where the clinical presentation raised significant concern for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Case Presentation: A 28-year-old South Asian male presented to a Family Medicine clinic with a painless rapidly enlarging right buccal mucosal mass of one month's duration. The patient reported daily tobacco chewing for five years and had a family history of oral cancer. Clinical examination revealed a pedunculated erythematous vascular lesion measuring approximately 3 × 3 cm. Given the rapid growth and cancer risk factors, an Urgent Suspected Cancer referral was initiated. The patient was assessed by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team within two days and underwent excisional biopsy. Histopathological examination confirmed pyogenic granuloma. Follow-up demonstrated complete healing without recurrence. Conclusion: Pyogenic granuloma may closely mimic oral squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in patients with established risk factors. This case highlights the important role of Family Medicine physicians in Qatar in the early recognition and referral of potentially malignant oral lesions. Keywords: Pyogenic granuloma; Buccal mucosa; Oral lesion; Oral cancer; Tobacco chewing; Family Medicine; Primary Care; Qatar.