Work

Plasma Cell Cheilitis vs Actinic Cheilitis: A Comparative Case Study of Lips Lesions Characteristics and Histopathological Features

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Plasma cell cheilitis (PCC) and actinic cheilitis (AC) represent two clinically distinct lip disorders that share overlapping features, posing diagnostic challenges for clinicians. PCC is a rare inflammatory condition characterized by erythematous plaques or ulcerations with dense dermal plasma cell infiltrates, while AC manifests as chronic sun-induced lip changes with potential malignant transformation. Despite affecting similar clinical features and risk factor, these conditions differ fundamentally in histopathological findings. Purpose: This comparative case study analyzes the diagnostic complexities of PCC and AC. Case Report: Case 1: A 60-year-old female came to the Oral Medicine Department with persistent lip erosion that had not healed for a year, reporting pain and bleeding. Clinical features and sun-exposure-related occupation suggested actinic cheilitis. Case 2: A 37-year-old woman came to the Oral Medicine Department presented with a recurring erosive lesion on her lower lip persisting for eight years, characterized by pain, dryness, and a thickened white border, and suspected as ulcerative oral lichen planus with actinic cheilitis and recurrent herpes labialis as differential diagnosis. Case Management: Case 1: Incisional biopsy showed an ulcerated, fibrocollagenous connective tissue stroma, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, and inflammatory cells with no malignant signs. Case 2: The patient's biopsy revealed mild-to-moderate dysplasia alongside thickened skin layers and inflammation involving immune cells. Both cases were treated with topical corticosteroids and antibiotics, yielding significant improvement. Conclusions: This comparative case report highlights the diagnostic complexities of PCC and AC through their parallel clinical presentations, emphasizing that lesion morphology and histopathological examination are essential in guiding accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Long-term follow-up is warranted for both conditions, given the malignant transformation potential of AC and the recurrence tendency of PCC.

Source: International Journal of Women s Health

DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s631974

Authors: Nadya Jeihan Riyani, Nuri Fitriasari, Nelly Nainggolan, Dewi Zakiawati

Institutions: Padjadjaran University, Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Oral Health Pathology and Treatment

Subfield: General Dentistry

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,836