Clinically granulomatous cheilitis with plasma cells

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Dermatology
• Inflammatory conditions

Background:

• Plasma cell cheilitis (PCC) is a benign inflammatory condition affecting the lips, characterized by erythematous plaques.
• Histopathology of PCC shows dense, band-like plasma cell infiltrates in the dermis.
• Granulomatous cheilitis (GC), part of orofacial granulomatosis, presents with lip swelling, often becoming firm with recurrence.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old man presented with diffuse lower lip swelling, clinically mimicking GC.
• The patient's presentation involved significant edema and a firm consistency of the lower lip.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination revealed a diffuse infiltrate of plasma cells.
• Plasma cells were predominantly located in the upper and mid-dermis, distinguishing it from typical PCC patterns.
• The findings suggest a variant presentation of plasma cell cheilitis.

Implications:

• This case expands the understanding of plasma cell cheilitis presentations.
• It underscores the importance of histopathology in differentiating lip inflammatory conditions.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management of cheilitis and orofacial granulomatosis.