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Updated: Feb 8, 2026
Basic Research in Plasma Medicine - A Throughput Approach from Liquids to Cells
Published on: November 17, 2017
Long-term control of laryngeal plasma cell mucositis with systemic immunosuppression
James Triplett1, Geoffrey Hee2, Andrew McLean-Tooke1
1Department of Immunology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare non-neoplastic plasma cell proliferative disorder of the mucous membranes, which typically presents as soft tissue lesions involving oral, upper airway or genital mucosa. Laryngeal involvement resulting in stridor has been reported in four other cases previously, with three requiring tracheostomy. We present a case of supraglottic stenosis in a 53-year-old woman presenting with dysphonia and stridor, requiring surgical resection on three occasions accompanied by tracheostomy on two occasions; biopsy was consistent with PCM. Due to relapsing disease activity, high-dose prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil were commenced with prednisolone eventually being ceased. After 2 years of mycophenolate mofetil therapy, the patient's disease has been controlled without need for further surgical intervention. This is the first reported case of prolonged symptomatic improvement with the use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil in PCM.
Insights
Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare disorder affecting mucous membranes. Mycophenolate mofetil offers prolonged symptom control for laryngeal PCM, avoiding further surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare, non-neoplastic plasma cell proliferation affecting mucous membranes.
- Laryngeal involvement is uncommon, often presenting with stridor and potentially requiring airway intervention.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman presented with supraglottic stenosis, dysphonia, and stridor due to laryngeal PCM.
- The patient required multiple surgical resections and tracheostomies due to relapsing disease.
Findings:
- Systemic immunosuppressive therapy with high-dose prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil was initiated.
- Prolonged disease control was achieved with mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy after prednisolone was ceased.
Implications:
- This case is the first to report sustained symptomatic improvement using mycophenolate mofetil for laryngeal PCM.
- Systemic immunosuppression, particularly with mycophenolate mofetil, represents a promising therapeutic strategy for refractory PCM.
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