Plasma cell mucositis - A rare differential diagnosis for ulceration of oral mucosa

Abstract

Introduction. Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare condition consisting of plasma cell infiltrate of the mucous membranes that usually involves the genital epithelium. Less frequently lesions are present in the mouth or upper respiratory tract. The etiology of PCM remains unknown. The lesions may occur in the unchanged epithelium (idiopathic, isolated PCM), on the base of inflammatory skin diseases (lichen planus, lichen sclerosus) or cancer (squamous cell carcinoma). Objective. To present a case and draw attention to PCM as a differential diagnosis of lesions within the oral mucous membrane. Case report. We present a patient with painful erosions and erythematous patches located within the mucous membrane of the palate and cheeks lasting more than 5 months. The diagnosis was based on clinical and histopathological examination. Conclusions. The course of PCM includes periods of exacerbations and remissions. Treatment with antibiotics, antifungal agents, local and systemic corticosteroids, isotretinoin or destructive methods usually provides symptomatic relief but does not lead to lesions regression.