Coexisting Histopathological Features in Oral Leukoplakia, Quid Induced Lichenoid Lesions and Oral Submucous Fibrosis - An Analysis

Abstract

Background Oral submucous fibrosis OSMF quid-induced lichenoid lesions QILL and leukoplakia show characteristic individual histological features. However all the three lesions are caused by quid chewing. There is a possibility that these lesions may occur together in the same patient. But sometimes there may be no clinical evidence of concomitant lesions with changes being seen at histopathological level.Aim To determine the presence of concurrent histopathological features in oral leukoplakia OSMF and QILL.Method A retrospective analysis of hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of OSMF n 60 QILL n 20 and leukoplakia n 60 was done. Slides were analysed for the presence of lichenoid features in OSMF and leukoplakia. Fibrosis was searched for in lichenoid reaction and leukoplakia.Results Fifteen cases 25 of OSMF revealed histopathological features of lichenoid reaction. Eight 40 cases of QILL and two cases 3.3 of leukoplakia revealed the presence of fibrosis in the connective tissue. Ten cases 16.6 of leukoplakia revealed the presence of lichenoid reaction. Lichenoid features included subepithelial band of inflammatory cells basal cell degeneration and reduplication of basement membrane. All cases were associated with some form of betel quid chewing.Conclusion This study aimed to highlight the possibility of overlapping histopathological features of three different lesions despite the clinical presence of only one lesion. This may suggest the initiation of a second disease process. Since all the three lesions have a malignant potential these concurrent features may aid in prevention and adequate diagnosis.nbsp