Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex

A granuloma is a firm lesion and the eosinophilic granuloma complex is a type of granuloma with an accumulation of white blood cells called eosinophils.  These eosinophils tend to accumulate with allergic type conditions.

Buster had a lip granuloma (see above photo).  This is sometimes called "indolent ulcer" or "rodent ulcer".

Closer view of Buster's eosinophilic granuloma (above view).

These lesions are not extremely common; however, we typically see them on the upper lip.  We have also seen them on the tongue and the palate (or roof of the mouth).  They have also been reported on the neck and feet of cats.  It seems that every medical condition called a complex is appropriately named because there are variations of the disease processes.  Indolent ulcers (we see nearly always on the upper lip), eosinophilic plaque (we see on the tongue or palate) and  eosinophilic granuloma (we see on the lips or chin).

How are these lesions treated?

Medical therapy using Depo Medrol injections, cyclosporin or other immune modulation drugs are often successful.

What if medical therapy fails to resolve these lesions?

Lesions that fail to respond to medical therapy should be biopsied to rule out cancer (neoplasia) and to establish a diagnosis.  Diagnosis should always precede treatment planning.

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