Leprous macrocheilia: A rare clinical presentation.

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Oro-facial granulomatosis encompasses conditions with noncaseating granulomas in oral and maxillofacial soft tissues.
• Persistent lip swelling (macrocheilia) is a common manifestation of these conditions.
• Differential diagnosis is challenging due to overlapping clinical features with sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, and cheilitis granulomatosa.

Observation:

• This study details a rare case of oral leprosy presenting exclusively as macrocheilia.
• The patient's initial diagnosis, based on exclusion, was Miescher's cheilitis.
• Leprosy was identified as the underlying cause, emphasizing its varied oral presentations.

Findings:

• Leprosy can manifest solely as macrocheilia, mimicking other granulomatous conditions.
• Diagnostic difficulty arises from the rarity of oral leprosy and its non-specific initial presentation.
• Microscopic examination and specific diagnostic tests are crucial for accurate identification.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering leprosy in the differential diagnosis of unexplained persistent lip swelling.
• Underscores the need for increased awareness among dental and medical professionals regarding oral manifestations of leprosy.
• Suggests that early and accurate diagnosis of oral leprosy can prevent further complications and ensure appropriate treatment.