Journal Name:
International Journal of Health Sciences & Research
Volume:
6
Issue:
7
Pages From:
314
To:
318
Date:
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Keywords:
Plasma cell stomatitis, Khat use, association.
Abstract:
Plasma cell stomatitis (PCS), an uncommon condition, is characterized by massive and dense
infiltration of plasma cells into the connective tissue. The etiology of PCS is unclear, but this
condition is believed to be an immunological reaction to certain allergens present in chewing gum,
flavoring mint, dentifrices and cinnamon flavoring products. Recently, plasma cell stomatitis has also
been reported among habitual khat chewers. Khat, a psychostimulant herb, is cultivated and habitually
chewed by millions of people in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as well as by immigrants in
the west. This article aims to briefly review the current literature of the association of PCS with Khat
use and to highlight the treatment approaches for such cases. A review of the literature using
PUBMED and Google Scholar revealed ten cases of PCS linked to khat use, most of which were
identified in Yemen, where khat chewing is highly prevalent. Interestingly, however, two of the ten
cases were also reported in western countries; one was about Somali immigrant in the Denmark and
the other was a Yemeni immigrant in the US. Treatment of Khat related-PCS includes cessation of the
habit and oral hygiene prophylaxis. The rise of global immigration may potentially increase the
incidence of PCS and other khat-related oral lesions worldwide. Therefore, recognition of this habit
and its implications on oral health should be emphasized.
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