Idiopathic orofacial granulomatosis - a diagnostic and treatment challenge

Orofacial granulomatosis is an uncommon disease, usually presenting as recurrent or persistent swelling of the soft tissues, predominantly lips - termed as Cheilitis Granulomatosa. Though various aetiological factors like foreign body reactions, infections, Crohn's disease and Sarcoidosis have been implicated in the disease process. Delayed Hypersensitivity reaction with a predominant Th1-mediated immune response provide further evidence to the etiopathogenesis in Orofacial granulomatosis. The term Idiopathic Orofacial Granulomatosis is used in cases with unknown aetiology. This case report describes Idiopathic Orofacial granulomatosis in a 25-year-old male patient with persistent upper lip swelling and gingival enlargement. Management with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 40mg, twice a week for three weeks, resulted in significant remission without recurrence after a eight month follow up.