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Silica granuloma of a lymph node.
A J Ligthelm1, K W Bütow, A Weber
1Department of Oral Pathology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
|December 1, 1988
Summary
A silica granuloma was found in a submasseteric lymph node. This was likely caused by a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to silica in lipstick, not sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Silica exposure can lead to granulomatous inflammation.
- Distinguishing silica-induced granulomas from other granulomatous diseases like sarcoidosis is crucial for diagnosis.
Observation:
- A case presented with a silica granuloma in the submasseteric lymph node.
- Polarized light microscopy revealed crystalline particles with double-refractile properties.
Findings:
- Sarcoidosis was ruled out due to the presence of birefringent silica crystals.
- The granuloma was attributed to a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to silica found in lipstick.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare cause of submasseteric lymph node granuloma.
- It underscores the importance of considering exogenous silica sources, such as cosmetics, in granulomatous reactions.
- Angular cheilitis can serve as an entry point for foreign materials into lymphatic drainage.