Plasma Cell Gingivitis and Its Mimics

Rania H Younis; Maria Georgaki; Nikolaos G Nikitakis

doi:10.1016/j.coms.2022.10.003

Plasma Cell Gingivitis and Its Mimics

Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2023 May;35(2):261-270. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2022.10.003. Epub 2023 Feb 15.

Authors

Rania H Younis¹, Maria Georgaki², Nikolaos G Nikitakis²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, 650 West Baltimore Street, 7th floor suite 7257, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: ryounis1@umaryland.edu.
² Department of Oral Medicine & Pathology and Hospital Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 2 Thivon Street, 115 27, Goudi, Athens, Greece.

PMID: 36805902
DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2022.10.003

Abstract

Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is an inflammatory condition that affects the gingival mucosa of the oral cavity. It is characterized by polyclonal dense plasma cell infiltrate in the connective tissue. Lesions do not respond to prophylactic treatment. Etiology is most likely hypersensitivity to certain antigens (eg, toothpastes, oral rinses, chewing gums, spices). Differential diagnosis of PCG includes reactive, granulomatous, and neoplastic lesions. The diagnostic workup is based on patient's history and the clinicopathologic correlation to rule out mimics of PCG. Dermatologic patch test may be indicated in chronic conditions to identify the allergen.

Keywords: Clinical features; Differential diagnosis; Histologic features; Plasma cell gingivitis; Treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Diagnosis, Differential
Gingiva / pathology
Gingivitis* / diagnosis
Gingivitis* / etiology
Gingivitis* / pathology
Humans
Plasma Cells* / pathology