Cheilitis glandularis
Overview
A rare disorder characterized by inflammation of the lower lip which cause it to become enlarged and everted. The mucous glands and excretory ducts of the lip are also dilated. The condition is associated with an increased risk of lower lip cancer.
Symptoms
* Enlarged lower lip * Everted lower lip * Enlarged lower lip mucosal glands * Enlarged lower lip salivary ducts * Lip ulcers
Causes
Cheilitis glandularis is an unusual clinical manifestation of cheilitis that evolves in response to one or more diverse sources of chronic irritation. * Lip enlargement is attributable to inflammation, hyperemia, edema, and fibrosis. * Surface keratosis, erosion, and crusting develop consequent to longstanding actinic exposure or unusual repeated manipulations that include self-inflicted biting or other factitial trauma, excessive wetting from compulsive licking, drying (sometimes associated with mouth breathing, atopy, eczema, and asthma), and any other repeated stimulus that could serve as a chronic aggravating factor.
Diagnosis
Cheilitis glandularis is a chronic progressive condition. Patients typically present for diagnostic consultation within 3-12 months of onset. Complaints vary according to the nature and the degree of pain, the enlargement and the loss of elasticity of the lip, and the extent of evident surface change.