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Review
. 2020 Sep;59(3):513-522.
doi: 10.20471/acc.2020.59.03.16.

Diagnostic Criteria of Oral Lichen Planus: A Narrative Review

Doina Iulia Rotaru  1 , Diana Sofineti  1 , Sorana D Bolboacă  1 , Adriana E Bulboacă  1
Affiliations
Review

Diagnostic Criteria of Oral Lichen Planus: A Narrative Review

Doina Iulia Rotaru et al. Acta Clin Croat. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a disease with unclear etiology or pathogenesis, categorized by the World Health Organization as oral lichenoid lesions (OLL; interface mucositis or lichenoid mucositis) into a group of potentially malignant disorders. The diagnosis of OLP is challenging because the clinical and histopathologic features are frequently seen in OLP, OLL and/or other mucosal diseases with lichenoid characteristics. Furthermore, OLP has a dynamic nature. Finally, an early and precise diagnosis can play a decisive role, allowing timely treatment and thus improving the patient quality of life. This article summarizes the state-of-the-art regarding OLP and OLL and discusses the challenges faced on making an accurate diagnosis, aiming to provide a practical guideline for the postgraduates and oral physicians in reaching the diagnosis of these lesions.

Keywords: Diagnosis guideline; Lichen planus; Oral lichen planus; Oral lichenoid lesions; Precancerous conditions.

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