A comprehensive review of current treatments for granulomatous cheilitis

Cheilitis Granulomatosa: A Case Report of a Sarcoid Mimic

Cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) is a persistent and progressive swelling of the lips that can be non-tender and soft or firm to touch, with noncaseating granulomas that are perilymphatic and may show intralymphatic histiocytosis and lymphatic dilatation. CG can occur as an isolated condition or as part of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, which also includes facial paralysis and a fissured tongue. The etiology of CG is currently unknown but has been hypothesized to be connected to genetics, allergies, immunological processes, and infectious causes. This case provides further evidence for the pathogenic causes of CG. We present a 46-year-old male patient with four years of progressive lip swelling to an outpatient rheumatological clinic, the cause of which has yet to be determined following numerous visits to healthcare providers. Corticosteroids were previously attempted, resulting in minor improvements in swelling; however, following discontinuation, the lip swelling returned. Laboratory findings were significant for Saccharomyces and Lyme disease, while other autoimmune biomarkers remained negative, and a biopsy indicated noncaseating granulomas, leading to the diagnosis of CG. The patient was started on mycophenolate, and following treatment, there was a significant reduction in the swelling of the lips. As the strongest cause of CG is currently unknown, this unique case brings awareness to the infectious causes leading to CG. It calls for a greater need to investigate the reason behind certain pathogens specifically targeting the lips without causing any other systemic effects.

Miescher's Cheilitis as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge-A Case Report

Miescher's cheilitis (MC) is a rare, idiopathic inflammatory condition marked by recurrent or persistent swelling of the lips and adjacent orofacial areas. This case study aims to explore the clinical presentation of Miescher's cheilitis and evaluate the effectiveness of intralesional corticosteroid therapy as a treatment approach. A 58-year-old male presented with severe, persistent swelling of both the upper and lower lips, which had been ongoing for six months. The initial treatment with chloroquine was discontinued due to adverse effects and no efficacy. Subsequent treatment involved intralesional injections of triamcinolone acetonide, administered at concentrations of 10 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL. After a total of ten injection sessions, the patient experienced a nearly 70% reduction in lip swelling, with the therapeutic effect lasting for 9 months. Intralesional corticosteroid therapy proved to be an effective treatment for Miescher's cheilitis, offering significant symptom relief and improvement in lip swelling when other treatments were ineffective or unsuitable. This case highlights the need for individualized treatment plans and underscores the importance of ongoing research to refine management strategies for this challenging condition.

Reduction cheiloplasty with lateral wedge excisions in cheilitis granulomatosa

This case presents a method of reductive cheiloplasty: Conway's method with lateral and bilateral wedge excisions contained to the vermillion. It was performed on a female patient with cheilitis granulomatosa after 4 years of trying different medical therapies without effect. The surgery successfully reduced the increased volume, facilitating improved aesthetics and function while preserving oral function, muscle strength as well as sensitivity with no recurrence at the 15-month follow-up. We encourage early collaboration between dermatologists and plastic surgeons regarding the timing of a potential surgery when treating cheilitis granulomatosa.

Radiofrequency therapy as an effective treatment for granulomatous cheilitis: A CARE case report

INTRODUCTION

Granulomatous cheilitis is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent, idiopathic, and painless lip swelling. The diagnosis is proven by histopathological examination. The unknown aetiology and poorly understood underlying mechanism contribute to the difficulty in establishing an effective treatment. This case study proposes the effectiveness of radiofrequency therapy in the management of refractory granulomatous cheilitis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old patient presented with hypertrophy and swelling of the lower lip, and a biopsy revealed actinic cheilitis. The patient underwent lip shaving and an advancement mucosal flap, and definitive histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous cheilitis. No other signs of orofacial granulomatosis were observed, and the complementary aetiological study was negative for systemic disease. The lip swelling reappeared and persisted, which interfered with the quality of life. Hence, radiofrequency therapy was performed in the submucosal and subdermal layers of the lip, resulting in significant aesthetic and functional improvement and no further relapses after five years.

DISCUSSION

The management of granulomatous cheilitis is challenging. The current mainstay treatment is corticotherapy or reduction cheiloplasty in severe cases. Radiofrequency has potential as a treatment option in debilitating macrocheilia, presenting worthy long-lasting functional and aesthetical results, with minimal morbidity.

Characterizing disease manifestations and treatment outcomes among patients with orofacial granulomatosis in China

Background

Racial variation exists in the incidence of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG). The epidemiology and clinical characteristics of OFG in Asian countries are poorly described.

Objective

To describe the epidemiologic and clinical features of OFG in China from data collected on chronic odontogenic infection and studied in actual practice regarding the long-term outcome of OFG patients receiving different treatments.

Methods

Data on demographics, medical history, chronic odontogenic infection, and the extent of disease were collected, and long-term outcomes after the end of treatments were evaluated.

Results

Of the 165 OFG patients, 118 (71.5%; 95% CI 64.6%-78.5%) had a chronic odontogenic infection. There was a variety of difference between OFG with and without chronic odontogenic infection. Approximately 98.3% (95% confidence interval 94.8%-100%) of OFG patients with chronic odontogenic infection who received dental treatment showed a marked response, of whom 31 patients (53.4%; 95% confidence interval 40.2%-66.7%) had complete remission.

Limitations

Endoscopic investigations were not performed for most of the patients, and more detailed data were not collected, which might have demonstrated additional systemic problems.

Conclusions

OFG with chronic odontogenic infection is the major clinical pattern of OFG in China, which may be a subtype of OFG. Dental treatment should necessarily be the preferred first-line therapy for such patients.

Association between cheilitis granulomatosa and odontogenic infections: A case-control study

The association between cheilitis granulomatosa and dental infections (dental caries and apical periodontitis) is still not well understood. Herein, we aimed to investigate the association in large hospital cases with cohort controls. Cheilitis granulomatosa cases (n = 181) were retrieved from Peking University Hospital of Stomatology and age- and sex-matched to controls (n = 181). The χ² -test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare the differences between groups. The χ² -test and odds ratio were used to verify if there was an association and risk relationship. The results showed that both dental caries and apical periodontitis were associated with cheilitis granulomatosa (p < 0.001). Individuals with cheilitis granulomatosa had approximately a twofold increased frequency of dental caries than those without cheilitis granulomatosa (104/181, 57.5% vs. 53/181, 29.3%) (p < 0.001). The odds ratio of dental caries occurring in the case group compared to the control group was 3.211. The frequency of apical periodontitis in patients with cheilitis granulomatosa was significantly greater than in those without cheilitis granulomatosa (109/181, 60.2% vs. 28/181, 15.5%) (p < 0.001). The odds ratio was 8.272. Moreover, apical periodontitis was also locationally related to cheilitis granulomatosa (p < 0.001). Collectively, our study showed that the foci of dental infections are associated with cheilitis granulomatosa, suggesting that proper treatment of focal teeth may be important in the management of cheilitis granulomatosa.

An uncommon case of lip swelling: Granulomatous cheilitis associated with Crohn's disease

Unbeknownst to most otolaryngologists, there is quite a range of oral manifestations which commonly manifest in the context of inflammatory bowel disease. As providers who will encounter such patients in consultation it is beneficial to be aware of that association. Lip swelling (granulomatous cheilitis) is just one such presentation, which is often otherwise mistaken for angioneurotic edema and can lead to unwarranted testing and misdirected treatment. We present such a case to highlight the educational value of this patient encounter.

Oral lymphangiectasia and gastrointestinal Crohn disease

Lip edema with non-caseating granulomas or lymphangiectasia pose a clinical and pathological challenge. These findings can be attributed to cheilitis granulomatosa (CG), Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS), or Crohn disease (CD) depending on the appropriate clinical context. Lymphangiectasis, in particular, is a common pathological finding in CD due to lymphatic obstruction by granulomas and intralymphatic granulomas. Because oral symptoms can precede gastrointestinal symptoms of CD or be seen in patients with asymptomatic gastrointestinal disease, the identification of lymphangiectasia should raise the possibility of underlying CD. We present a case of a young woman with several years of lip swelling, with notable lymphangiectasia and subtle granulomas on pathological evaluation. The patient was diagnosed with MRS at an outside institution and treated with systemic steroids, without further systemic evaluation. We believe that early recognition of lymphangiectasia and consideration of CD early in the work-up are critical for early diagnosis and appropriate management. Neither clinical nor histopathological findings should be used in isolation to diagnose GC, MRS, or CD as there is significant debate as to the etiology and overlapping findings of these conditions. We highlight the importance of lymphangiectasia in diagnosing underlying CD in the appropriate clinical context.

Management Strategies of Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome: A Review

Melkerrson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare disorder of unknown aetiology and characterized by the triad of oro-facial edema, facial nerve palsy, and furrowing of the tongue. Two or more of the above are essential for making a clinical diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment is corticosteroids. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide may be used for the treatment of oro-facial edema. Another treatment option for oro-facial edema includes intralesional betamethasone, along with oral doxycycline. The review discusses the management strategies in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

Unsuccessful Treatment of Cheilitis Granulomatosa with Oral Methotrexate

Cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) is a rare idiopathic condition with painless lip swelling, characterized by non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation in the absence of other identifiable causes such as Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, foreign body reaction, or infection. CG may precede the presentation of Crohn's disease after long-term follow-up. Spontaneous remission of CG rarely occurs. To date, given the rarity of CG, there is no gold standard treatment. Recommended treatments are supported by small studies, case reports/series, and expert opinions. Glucocorticoids are the first-line therapy in the acute stages of the disease; however, recurrence commonly occurs. Previously, methotrexate (MTX) showed a beneficial effect on orofacial swelling in a case of CG accompanied by Crohn's disease. We present a patient with CG without Crohn's disease. He was treated with oral MTX in combination with intralesional corticosteroid injection on one side of the lip. The injected side showed improvement, while lip swelling on the noninjected area remained unchanged after 3 months of treatment. Therefore, CG is refractory to treatment with MTX from our experience. Further studies regarding the optimum dosage of MTX is needed.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome with coeliac and allergic diseases

A 45-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of relapsing oedema of the lips. Moreover, he exhibited recurrent facial nerve palsy since the age of 10 years, coeliac disease since the age of 12 years, atopic eczema, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Physical examination revealed lip swelling and lingua plicata. Thus, he presented the classic triad of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome which includes recurrent orofacial oedema, facial nerve palsy and fissured tongue. A lip biopsy confirmed our clinical diagnosis.This case is particularly rare, as the classic triad is seen only in a minority of the cases. Moreover, allergic and coeliac diseases were observed concomitantly. This paper illustrates a potential pathophysiological interconnection between these pathologies in which interferon gamma could play a key role. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in which Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome has been observed concurrently with coeliac disease.

Angioedema Masqueraders

Angioedema is a common reason for referral to immunology and allergy specialists. Not all cases are in fact angioedema. There are many conditions that may mimic its appearance, resulting in misdiagnosis. This may happen when a clinician is unfamiliar with conditions resembling angioedema or when there is a low index of clinical suspicion. In this article, we explore a list of differential diagnoses based on body parts, including the lips, the limbs, periorbital tissues, the face, epiglottis and uvula, as well as the genitalia, that may pose as a masquerader even to an experienced eye.

[Facial manifestations of granulomatous diseases]

Clinical manifestations of granulomatous diseases are a recurring challenge in everyday dermatological practice. Clinical presentation and histological patterns are variable, depending on the particular disease. Knowledge about the differential diagnosis of granulomatous changes in the face is of decisive importance for making a rational diagnosis and therapy considering the patient's well-being. Therefore, histological and clinical characteristics of important granulomatous diseases that typically manifest on the face are presented here.

Differential Diagnosis of Cheilitis - How to Classify Cheilitis?

SUMMARY – Although cheilitis as a term describing lip inflammation has been identified and recognized for a long time, until now there have been no clear recommendations for its work-up and classification. The disease may appear as an isolated condition or as part of certain systemic diseases/conditions (such as anemia due to vitamin B₁₂ or iron deficiency) or local infections (e.g., herpes and oral candidiasis). Cheilitis can also be a symptom of a contact reaction to an irritant or allergen, or may be provoked by sun exposure (actinic cheilitis) or drug intake, especially retinoids. Generally, the forms most commonly reported in the literature are angular, contact (allergic and irritant), actinic, glandular, granulomatous, exfoliative and plasma cell cheilitis. However, variable nomenclature is used and subtypes are grouped and named differently. According to our experience and clinical practice, we suggest classification based on primary differences in the duration and etiology of individual groups of cheilitis, as follows: 1) mainly reversible (simplex, angular/infective, contact/eczematous, exfoliative, drug-related); 2) mainly irreversible (actinic, granulomatous, glandular, plasma cell); and 3) cheilitis connected to dermatoses and systemic diseases (lupus, lichen planus, pemphigus/pemphigoid group, angioedema, xerostomia, etc.).

Effectiveness of surgical treatment of severe macrocheilia in a patient with orofacial granulomatosis

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is the term given to a group of diseases characterized by the presence of non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation affecting the soft tissues of the orofacial region. Treatment of OFG is often challenging and unsatisfactory. We report on a 32-year-old man with a 2-year history of oedema and swelling of the upper lip without systemic symptoms. The history, clinical features and histopathological findings led to the diagnosis of cheilitis granulomatosa (CG), a disease included in the spectrum of OFG. The patient was treated with oral diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) and clofazimine without success. Oral doxycycline led to a slight improvement of the disease. Because the volume of the upper lip was twice normal size, surgical reduction was performed, followed by administration of oral doxycycline for 3 months. This therapeutic approach led to complete remission, with no recurrence after 3 years.

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome - delay in the diagnosis of an early-onset oligosymptomatic variant

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a rare neuro-mucocutaneous disease with a chronic intermittent course, characterized by a classic triad of orofacial swelling, fissured tongue (lingua plicata) and facial paralysis. The authors describe the case of an oligosymptomatic variant (lip and tongue involvement) with childhood onset, whose diagnosis was only established at the age of 19 years. The syndrome's pathophysiology is unclear and the treatment is challenging; corticosteroid therapy is the mainstay of treatment and is associated with clinical and histological improvement.

Update on Orofacial Granulomatosis

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a condition manifesting clinically with chronic swelling of the mouth and/or face, notably with swelling of the lips and oral mucosa, a full-thickness, erythematous gingivitis and mucosal ulceration of various clinical types. Some patients may also present with neurological findings, for example facial palsy. Biopsy of affected tissue shows lymphoedema, with or without granulomatous inflammation. The oral lesions in OFG are histologically indistinguishable from the oral lesions in Crohn's disease (CD) and other systemic granulomatous disorders. It is a condition which may respond to the exclusion of certain food-related chemicals from the diet in up to 60% of patients and, as such, is distinct from gastrointestinal CD. CD is a relapsing systemic inflammatory disease which predominantly affects the gut, and patients suffering from this disease frequently present with abdominal pain, fever and altered bowel habit. A proportion of patients with clinical OFG (without other systemic disease) may have asymptomatic gastrointestinal involvement or go on to develop gut CD suggesting an association between the two diseases. It is estimated that 1% of CD sufferers may have a diagnosis of OFG, but the majority of patients in specialist OFG clinics do not have gut symptoms.

Uncommon inflammatory swelling of the lips: orofacial granulomatosis

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is an unusual condition associated with permanent or recurrent swelling of orofacial tissues together with oral mucosal ulceration and a variety of orofacial characteristics. The chronic inflammation inherent to OFG often displays granulomas in the subepithelial stroma. We present a case of OFG and its management. The patient responded to intralesional injections of corticosteroids.

Cheilitis granulomatosa associated with lupus erythematosus discoid and treated with methotrexate: report of a case

We present the rare case of a 47-year-old patient, suffering from cheilitis granulomatosa and lupus erythematosus discoid: this association is really exceptional because only once reported in English literature. In addition, the treatment of cheilitis granulomatosa is a challenge for the dermatologist: the gold standard, represented by steroids, is in fact designed as a short-time option. Our report confi rms the good efficacy of methotrexate as a steroid-sparing agent.

Metastatic Vulvar Crohn's Disease-A Rare Case Report and Short Review of Literature

Metastatic Crohn's disease (CD), a type of extraintestinal CD may present with gynecological manifestation which causes diagnostic dilemma and needs multidisciplinary approach. Vulvar lesions occur in very small number of cases with CD of which asymmetrical labial swelling and edema is the most common presentation. We report a case of hypertrophic exophytic variety of vulvar CD because of its rarity.

[Cheilitis: Diagnosis and treatment]

The whole examination of oral cavity, other mucosae and skin is required when managing a cheilitis. Irritants (climatic, mechanical, caustic agents...) constitute the main aetiological factors of cheilitis. Allergic contact cheilitis should be investigated with a detailed anamnesis in order to search any causative agent in contact with the oral mucosae. Patch testing is required to confirm the diagnosis of delayed hypersensivity. Chronic actinic cheilitis occurs mostly in middle-aged, fair-skinned men. It is a potentially malignant condition that requires biopsies to exclude severe dysplasia or carcinoma. Angular cheilitis can occur spontaneously but is frequently related with several precipitating factors, such as systemic immune suppression, local irritation and moisture, fungal and/or bacterial infection. Cheilitis can also be seen in various systemic conditions such as lichen planus, lupus, atopic dermatitis and nutritional deficiencies. Erosive and crusty cheilitis and bullous erosive stomatitis are the main oral features of erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Granulomatous macrocheilitis (cheilitis granulomatosa) presents with intermittent or permanent lip swelling. It should be confirmed by a biopsy. It can be either isolated (Miescher macrocheilitis) or associated with various systemic conditions.

Long-term effectiveness of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide therapy in orofacial granulomatosis: an observational cohort study

Summary

What's already known about this topic?

What does this study add?

Orofacial Granulomatosis

Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory disorder of the orofacial region. It is characterized by subepithelial noncaseating granulomas and has a spectrum of possible clinical manifestations ranging from subtle oral mucosal swelling to permanent disfiguring fibrous swelling of the lips and face. Etiopathogenesis is unknown. A range of systemic granulomatous disorders, including Crohn disease and sarcoidosis, may cause orofacial manifestations that cannot be distinguished from those of OFG. Treatment of OFG has proven difficult and unsatisfactory, with no single therapeutic model showing consistent efficacy in reducing orofacial swelling and mucosal inflammation.

Unifocal orofacial granulomatosis in retromolar mucosa: surgical treatment with Er,Cr:YSGG laser

Orofacial granulomatosis is defined by permanent or recurrent swelling of orofacial tissues with different multiform and multifocal clinical patterns. An 11-year old boy presented with a 2-month history of mucosa enlargement. Intraoral examination revealed an erythematous, polylobulated, exophytic lesion with a smooth surface located in retromolar mucosa, non-tender and non-infiltratated to palpation. The diagnosis was inflammatory lesion compatible with pyogenic granuloma and laser excision was decided. Haematological parameters were within normal range, as well as chest Xrays. These findings lead to a diagnosis of non-symptomatic orofacial granulomatosis, whose early diagnosis can minimize the impact of systemic-related disorders, like Chron’s disease.

Key words:Laser, orofacial granulomatosis, childhood, oral lesions, diagnosis.

Cheilitis granulomatosa: a review

Cheilitis granulomatosa (CG) is a cosmetically disturbing and persistent idiopathic lip swelling. It is one manifestation of orofacial granulomatosis (OFG), which is a clinical entity describing facial and oral swelling in the setting of non-caseating granulomatous inflammation and in the absence of systemic disease such as Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis. CG can occur by itself or as part of the Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, which includes facial palsy and a plicated tongue. Other proposed causes of OFG include dietary allergens such as cinnamon and benzoates. Similar orofacial swelling may be an early manifestation of Crohn's disease or sarcoidosis, and so clinical history is important in diagnosis. The cause of CG has not been wholly elucidated, but a current hypothesis holds that a random influx of inflammatory cells is responsible. Other granulomatous and edematous causes of lip swelling must be investigated prior to diagnosis. Options for treatment include dietary modifications, antibiotics, systemic or intralesional corticosteroids, and surgery, although treatment is not always necessary. CG should be considered in the differential of persistent lip swelling.

An update on granulomatous diseases of the oral tissues

With new insights into the pathogenesis of specific granulomatous diseases, and with the advent of high-throughput genetic screening and availability of next-generation biological therapies, clinicians have several options at their disposal to help ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. This article highlights some of the current knowledge about the more common granulomatous systemic diseases that may be encountered in clinical practice.