Granulomatous cheilitis of Miescher: a rare entity

Granulomatous cheilitis (GC) is a rare entity of unknown etiology. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a predilection for young females. It is characterized by asymptomatic unrelenting swelling of lips. It is a monosymptomatic form or an incomplete variant of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (a triad of recurrent orofacial swelling, relapsing facial paralysis, and fissuring of the tongue).

We herewith report a case of a 27-year-old female, presenting with persistent upper lip swelling, for 3 months. Biopsy from the lesion revealed features of granulomatous cheilitis.

GC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unrelenting swelling in the lip. Spontaneous remission is rare, and recurrences are common. Corticosteroids used for treatment provide temporary improvement.