A Severe Presentation of Plasma Cell Cheilitis

Plasma cell cheilitis (PCC) is an uncommon condition characterized by mature plasma cell infiltration of the dermis of the mucosal lip. The condition often presents as a red-brown patch or plaque on the lower lip in older individuals that can progress to erosions and edema. Diagnosis can be delayed because clinical findings are nonspecific and can mimic neoplastic, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. We describe a patient with PCC who presented to our institution via teledermatology. Findings were equivocal on 2 early biopsies until the presentation evolved to dramatic ulceration and necrosis, which prompted a third biopsy that was diagnostic for PCC. Empiric therapy with a class I topical corticosteroid was successful.