Can dental polyps become cancerous?
In general, dental polyps refer to gingival polyps. Whether a gingival polyp can become cancerous depends on its severity and specific circumstances. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for appropriate treatment. The details are as follows:
1. If the gingival polyp is benign, it may not become cancerous
Gingival polyps are benign growths, typically small masses formed by localized tissue overgrowth due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. These polyps consist of fibrous connective tissue and blood vessels and are non-malignant in nature, so they generally do not undergo malignant transformation.
2. If the gingival polyp progresses to a malignant state, it may become cancerous
However, if left untreated, gingival polyps may worsen and develop into malignant lesions. Prolonged chronic inflammatory stimulation may lead to abnormal cell proliferation, thereby increasing the risk of malignant transformation.
If a gingival polyp is present, anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used under a doctor's guidance to reduce inflammation and lower the risk of malignant transformation.