Plasma cell granuloma in the oral cavity

Abstract

Plasma cells are terminally differentiated B lymphocytes which are typically found in the red pulp of the spleen, medulla of the lymph nodes, tonsils, lamina propria of the entire gastrointestinal tract, mucosa of the nose and upper airway, and sites of inflammation. They are characterised by basophilic cytoplasm with an eccentrically placed nucleus. They range in size from 14 to 20 µm. A plasma cell's main function is to produce immunoglobulins or antibodies. Plasma cell granuloma is a plasma cell lesion which merits discussion because it is typically found in the oral cavity. This lesion is not a neoplastic process, nor is it associated with a monoclonal expansion of a single plasma cell; instead, this is a reactive, inflammatory lesion which usually involves the gingival tissue.

Value of Immunohistochemistry in Diagnosing a Rare Case of Maxillofacial Plasma Cell Granuloma Masquerading as a Gingival Epulis

“…Plasma cell infiltrates have also been found on the vulva, buccal mucosa, palate, nasal aperture, gingiva, lips, tongue, epiglottis, larynx and other orificial surfaces [1].…”

“…They range in size from 14 to 20 lm. A plasma cell's main function is to produce immunoglobulins or antibodies [1].…”

“…It has been called by different terms, i.e. inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour, inflammatory pseudotumour, inflammatory myofibrohistiocytic proliferation and xanthomatous pseudotumour [1]. It primarily occurs in the lungs [2].…”

Plasma cell granuloma of lower lip: A rare case entity

“…However, it has been suggested that it represents the inflammation following minor trauma or surgery, or to be associated with other malignancy. [2] In present case, history of placement of quid in labial vestibule can be sorted as chronic trauma leading to inflammation, though the absolute link cannot be established. Not only this, an autoimmune mechanism has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of plasma cell granuloma.…”

“…However, various hypothesis have suggested that the pathogenesis has infectious, autoimmune and vascular origin.In some cases, it is thought to result from inflammation following minor trauma or surgery, or to be associated with other malignancy. [2] The term "plasma cell granuloma" was coined by Bahadori and Liebow in 1973 to describe a pseudotumor lesion of lung. [3] This rare lesion is commonly seen in the lungs and some other anatomic locations such as brain, kidney, stomach, heart.…”