Plasma Cell Gingivitis Mimicking Granulomatous Disease: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Plasma cell gingivitis is an uncommon benign inflammatory condition of the gingiva which is considered to arise as a hypersensitivity reaction to certain allergens. The distinguishing feature of this condition is massive infiltration of plasma cells into the subepithelial connective tissue. This case report discusses a case of plasma cell gingivitis which produced a diagnostic dilemma due to its unusual histopathologic appearance.

A 13-year-old female patient presented with diffuse gingival enlargement in relationship to upper anterior teeth. The case was managed successfully by gingivectomy following phase I therapy. Histopathological examination showed presence of epithelioid granulomas and foreign body giant cells along with plasma cells which is an uncommon finding in plasma cell gingivitis. Further tests conducted excluded granulomatous disease and the diagnosis was confirmed as plasma cell gingivitis.

Plasma cell gingivitis can present a diagnostic dilemma and should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with non-specific gingival enlargements.