HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which term describes a fibrous, sarcomatous tumor also known as a gum boil?

1. Granuloma

2. Epulis

3. Fibroma

4. Abscess

The correct answer is: Epulis

The term that describes a fibrous, sarcomatous tumor also known as a gum boil is "epulis." Epulis specifically refers to a growth on the gingiva (gums) that can be related to irritation or chronic inflammation. It is important to recognize that epuli can present as a localized, soft tissue lesion that can develop due to factors like trauma or certain dental issues. Understanding the term "gum boil" is also crucial, as it can denote a swelling that is often associated with an infection or irritation in the gum tissue, which aligns with the characteristics of an epulis. This growth can vary in appearance but is generally benign and resolvable depending on the underlying cause. The other terms presented have distinct meanings in dental terminology. For instance, granulomas typically refer to a localized inflammatory response that may occur in various tissues but are not specifically classified as tumors like epulis. Fibromas are benign tumors made up of fibrous or connective tissue but do not necessarily emerge in the gum as epulis does. Abscesses denote accumulations of pus that arise from infections, illustrating a different pathological process that is not characterized as a fibrous tumor or gum boil. Thus, epulis appropriately captures the nature of the