Orofacial granulomatosis

Orofacial granulomatosis
Synonyms	OFG
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Lip swelling, oral ulcers, gingival enlargement
Complications	Facial disfigurement, dental issues
Onset	Any age, often in adolescence
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly immune system related
Risks	Genetic predisposition, Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Crohn's disease, sarcoidosis, angioedema
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, dietary modifications
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, often chronic
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Orofacial granulomatosis is a condition characterized by persistent enlargement of the soft tissues of the lips and sometimes the face. This condition is a subtype of granulomatous cheilitis and is also known as Cheilitis Granulomatosa or Miescher's Cheilitis.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of orofacial granulomatosis is persistent or recurrent lip swelling. Other symptoms may include ulcers, fissures, or nodules in the mouth, and changes in the color or texture of the mouth lining. Some people with this condition may also have granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation, in other parts of the body.

Causes

The exact cause of orofacial granulomatosis is unknown. It is thought to be an abnormal response to an unknown substance or injury. Some cases have been associated with Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, and sarcoidosis, a disease that causes inflammation in various organs of the body.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of orofacial granulomatosis is based on the clinical symptoms and a biopsy of the affected tissue. The biopsy will show granulomas and inflammation in the tissue.

Treatment

Treatment for orofacial granulomatosis is aimed at reducing the symptoms. This may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and other medications to suppress the immune system. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the affected tissue.

See also

• Granulomatous cheilitis
• Crohn's disease
• Sarcoidosis