Plasma Cell Mucositis and Related Disorders
Summary
Plasma cell mucositis represents a spectrum of benign yet often challenging inflammatory conditions characterised by a dense plasma cell infiltrate within the mucosal tissues of the oral cavity, oropharynx and occasionally other aerodigestive sites. Clinically, affected individuals present with intensely erythematous, oedematous or ulcerated lesions that can mimic infections, hypersensitivity reactions or neoplastic disease. The underlying cause remains unclear, with proposed triggers ranging from idiopathic immune dysregulation to allergic or irritant exposures. Histopathology reveals a polyclonal accumulation of plasma cells in the lamina propria, sometimes accompanied by a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. First-line therapy typically involves topical corticosteroids, but treatment responses vary and relapses are common. Emerging strategies include systemic immunomodulators, targeted excision of discrete lesions and adjunctive photobiomodulation. Related disorders such as plasma cell cheilitis, gingivitis and extramedullary plasmacytoma differ in their clinical presentation, monoclonal versus polyclonal profile and prognostic implications. Rigorous diagnostic work-up is essential to distinguish benign mucositis from plasma cell neoplasms and to guide appropriate management.
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Plasma Cell Mucositis and Related Disorders publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in plasma cell mucositis and related disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Plasma cell mucositis: A non-neoplastic inflammatory condition defined by dense plasma cell infiltration of mucosal tissues, most often in the oral or oropharyngeal region.
Polyclonal proliferation: Expansion of plasma cells expressing diverse immunoglobulin light chains, indicating a reactive rather than malignant process.
Extramedullary plasmacytoma: A monoclonal plasma cell neoplasm occurring in soft tissue outside the bone marrow, distinct from reactive mucositis.
Photobiomodulation: Therapeutic use of low-level laser or light-emitting diode radiation to modulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
References
- Clinico-Pathological Profile and Outcomes of 45 Cases of Plasma Cell Gingivitis. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2021).
- Pitfalls and Challenges in Oral Plasma Cell Mucositis: A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022).
- Plasma Cell Gingivitis Treated with Photobiomodulation, with No Recurrence for a Five‐Year Follow‐Up. Case Reports in Dentistry (2022).
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