Oral lichen sclerosus: an overview and report of three cases

• Lichen sclerosus is an unusual, chronically relapsing mucocutaneous disease that usually afflicts the anogenital region. Oral lesions of lichen sclerosus are rare, with only 36 histologically verified cases reported to date. The classic histopathologic findings of oral lichen sclerosus include: an area of subepithelial hyalinization, loss of elastic fibres, and band-like mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. Despite its rarity, oral lichen sclerosus should be included in the differential diagnosis of porcelain- or ivory-white macules. Here we present three new cases of oral lichen sclerosus. A review of these cases and the previously reported cases revealed that oral lichen sclerosus is slightly more common in women and can affect individuals of any age. Oral lesions of lichen sclerosus usually do not require treatment, except when there are significant symptoms or aesthetic complaint. Almost 50% of the patients with oral lichen sclerosus present with extraoral manifestations. Thus, referral to a dermatologist and a gynaecologist is advised. Although no cases of malignant transformation of oral lichen sclerosus have been reported, regular, long-term follow-up of patients with oral lichen sclerosus is indicated.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

lichen sclerosus

oral lichen sclerosus

clinicopathologic characteristics

extracellular-matrix protein-1

et-atrophicus

mucosa

association

autoantibodies

autoimmunity

involvement

infection

morphea

lip

Dentistry

Oral Surgery & Medicine

Surgery

ller rf

1957

archives of dermatology

v76

p43

hulten eajm

1993

journal of oral pathology & medicine

v22

p374

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)