Cheilitis granulomatosa - An uncommon clinicopathological entity: A case report

Granulomatous lesions of the Oral and Orophrayngeal submucosal tissues frequently affecting buccal and labial tissues are uncommon and present a diagnostic dilemma because of the wide variety of possible etiologic factors. The lesion affecting lips initially described by the German dermatologist Miesher as Cheilitis Granulomatosa is a rare disorder characterized by non-remissive enlargement of one or both lips. The multiple causes and clinical features of Cheilitis Granulomatosa often create a confusing maze through which the clinician must carefully proceed in order to develop an accurate diagnosis and provide an effective treatment. Management considerations for these patients depend upon the results of the investigations, patient's esthetic considerations and severity of the condition. This article, besides discussing a successfully treated case of Cheilitis Granulomatosa along with gingival involvement in a 27 year old Indian woman, also highlights the importance of differentiating this condition from other lip swellings.