Clinicopathologic Study of 8 Patients with Plasma Cell Cheilitis

Background : Plasma cell cheilitis is an idiopathic, benign, inflammatory mucosal condition characterized by a dense plasma cell infiltrate in the mucosa. Objective : The aim of this study was to examine the clinical & histopathologic findings of plasma cell cheilitis and review the literatures. Methods : A total of 8 patients confirmed as plasma cell cheilitis at the Catholic University Hospital from 1999 to 2001 were retrospectively analyzed with hospital charts and histopathologic slides to determine the clinical manifestations, associated diseases, etiology, course, and prognosis and histopathologic findings. Results : The results are summarized as follows 1. The male and female ratio was 3: 1. 2. The mean age of patients was 68.5 years. 3. The site of plasma cell cheilitis was the lower lip on all patients. 4. The lesion accompanied erosion or ulcer in 75% of patients and easily bleeding in 50% of patients. 5. There was no specific symptom in 50% of patients and pain accompanied in 37.5% of patients. 6. There were good responses on topically applicated clobetasone propionate. 7. Histopathologic features revealed band-like dense infiltration of plasma cells in the upper dermis and there are no atypical nucleus and mitosis. Conclusion : Characteristically, plasma cell cheilitis affects the low lip of an elderly person. The histological features are diagnostic. We suggest that plasma cell cheilitis exists much more than diagnosed and that physicians must pay attention to it. (Korean J Dermatol 2003;41(2) : 174-178)