Radiofrequency therapy as an effective treatment for granulomatous cheilitis: A CARE case report

Abstract

Introduction: Granulomatous cheilitis is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent, idiopathic, and painless lip swelling. The diagnosis is proven by histopathological examination. The unknown aetiology and poorly understood underlying mechanism contribute to the difficulty in establishing an effective treatment. This case study proposes the effectiveness of radiofrequency therapy in the management of refractory granulomatous cheilitis.

Case summary: A 68-year-old patient presented with hypertrophy and swelling of the lower lip, and a biopsy revealed actinic cheilitis. The patient underwent lip shaving and an advancement mucosal flap, and definitive histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of granulomatous cheilitis. No other signs of orofacial granulomatosis were observed, and the complementary aetiological study was negative for systemic disease. The lip swelling reappeared and persisted, which interfered with the quality of life. Hence, radiofrequency therapy was performed in the submucosal and subdermal layers of the lip, resulting in significant aesthetic and functional improvement and no further relapses after five years.

Discussion: The management of granulomatous cheilitis is challenging. The current mainstay treatment is corticotherapy or reduction cheiloplasty in severe cases. Radiofrequency has potential as a treatment option in debilitating macrocheilia, presenting worthy long-lasting functional and aesthetical results, with minimal morbidity.

Keywords: Granulomatous cheilitis; Miescher's cheilitis; Radiofrequency.