Superficial mucoceles as a sequel to Stevens‑Johnson syndrome during treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with cemiplimab: A case report and review of literature

Exp Ther Med. 2024 Nov 18;29(1):15. doi: 10.3892/etm.2024.12765. eCollection 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Superficial mucoceles (SM) are small, benign, translucent vesicles, which develop in the oral mucosa, mainly on the lower lip, due to a rupture of minor salivary gland ducts and the extravasation of saliva. The use of immune checkpoint blockade treatment may lead to dermatologic immune-related adverse events in 40-50% of patients and with severe dermatologic immune adverse events of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events of grade G3-G4 in 1-2% of patients. The present study described the case of a patient with squamous cell carcinoma treated with cemiplimab with the adverse effect of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The patient developed multiple SM, which made it challenging for the patient to speak and eat. Ablative treatment using a plasma device (Plasma IQ) and electrocoagulation were used to remove all lesions, which achieved a precise and timely therapeutic effect without any remainder of scarring. Through the publication of the present case report and literature review, the present article aimed to enhance the understanding of this condition, providing valuable diagnostic and therapeutic information about the spectrum of mucosal involvement among drug-related toxicities of current oncological treatment.

Keywords: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; adverse drug reaction; anticancer therapies; cemiplimab; superficial mucoceles; toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

Grants and funding

Funding: No funding was received.