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Review
. 2008 Mar-Apr;74(2):284-92.
doi: 10.1016/s1808-8694(15)31102-2.

Oral lichen planus: clinical and histopathological considerations

Fernando Augusto Cervantes Garcia de Sousa  1 , Luiz Eduardo Blumer Rosa
Affiliations
Review

Oral lichen planus: clinical and histopathological considerations

Fernando Augusto Cervantes Garcia de Sousa et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2008 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Oral lichen planus is one of the most common dermatological diseases presenting in the oral cavity; the prevalence in the general population is 1% to 2%. Although relatively frequent, oral lichen planus is the target of much controversy, especially in relation to its potential for malignancy.

Aim: This study aimed to make clinical and histopathological considerations regarding oral lichen planus to increase the level of knowledge about this condition among health professionals, underlining the importance of long-term follow-up of these patients.

Conclusion: The possibility of this lesion to turn malignant justifies the importance of long term follow up for patients with such disease.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lichen planus. Histology section showing epithelial hyper-parakeratosis, mild acanthosis and basement layer lichenification; also present is a layered marked lymphocyte infiltrate immediately underlying the epithelium. H/E – 400x.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Lichen planus. Note areas of epithelial atrophy, and a layered marked lymphocyte infiltrate in the lamina propria immediately underlying the epithelium. H/E – 400x.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Lichen planus. The epithelium shows large keratinocytes containing prominent nuclei and basement layer liquefaction. Decreased melanin pigmentation in the lamina propria, and a layered marked lymphocyte infiltrate immediately underlying the epithelium. H/E – 400x.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Lichen planus. The epithelium shows basement layer liquefaction. Civatte body (center). H/E – 400x.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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