Oral Granulomatous Disorders: A Diagnostic Insight

Abstract

Granulomatous inflammation represents a unique pattern of chronic inflammation observed in a restricted form of infectious and certain non-infectious diseases. The formation of granulomas typically involves immune responses. Granulomatous disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions that share the common histological feature of granuloma formation. Their involvement in the oral soft and hard tissues is quite infrequent; however, their manifestation can pose a diagnostic challenge due to the diverse range of potential causes and the relatively non-specific appearance of the individual lesions. The ultimate outcome of a complex entails the formation of a granuloma, resulting from the interplay among an invading pathogen or antigen, chemical substance, medication, or other irritant, persistent presence of antigens in the bloodstream, activation of macrophages, initiation of Th1 cell response, B-cell overactivity, presence of circulating immune complexes, and a wide range of biological signaling molecules, ultimately leading to the development of fibrosis attributed to the actions of transforming and platelet-derived growth factor. This article emphasizes the clinicopathological diagnostic criteria of oral granulomatous disorders as a guide for treatment and management.