Intra-oral Plasma Cell Granuloma: A Rare Clinico-pathological Entity-Report of Two Cases with Review

Abstract

Plasma cell granulomas (PCGs) or inflammatory pseudotumors are non-neoplastic lesions that consist of predominantly antibody-producing plasma cells and innate immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and eosinophils. Unlike in multiple myeloma, the plasma cells are polyclonal and proliferate in a fibroblast-rich stromal background. These lesions are predominantly reported in the lungs; however, they may involve other organs too. Very few cases are reported regarding the presence of PCG in the oral cavity and a confirmatory diagnosis is crucial for further management. A critical and careful examination from a pathological point of view is obviously necessary to rule out other plasma cell neoplasms. We present here two cases of intra-oral PCGs; one in the gingiva & another within the jaw; both showing a polyclonal staining pattern in immunohistochemistry confirming a diagnosis of plasma cell granuloma. Keywords: Inflammatory pseudotumor, Plasma cell granuloma, Plasma cells, Polyclonal plasma cells, Lambda and kappa chain