ORAL LICHEN PLANUS AND ORAL LICHENOID LESION: A COMPARISON BETWEEN CLINICAL CASES

Abstract

This study describes two cases, comparing oral lichen planus (OPL) and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL). Case 1 presents a 48-year-old black female, complaining of mouth sores for 8 months. Upon examination, multiple white and red striated plaques were observed at various oral sites. The diagnostic hypothesis was OLP, and a biopsy was performed. The histopathological report was suggestive of OPL, where the epithelium was atypical. Case 2 presents a 69-year-old white female, complaining of white patches found bilaterally on the tongue. A biopsy was performed due to the diagnostic hypothesis of leukoplakia. Histopathology revealed moderate epithelial dysplasia, showing inflammatory infiltration with a lichenoid pattern. Correlation with clinicopathology and follow-up were imperative for the final diagnosis of OLL. Similar clinical and histopathological features of OPL and OLL make their precise diagnosis complex. Thus, careful observation of clinicopathological and follow-up criteria are critical for the differential diagnosis of these lesions. This study describes two cases, comparing oral lichen planus (OPL) and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL). Case 1 presents a 48-year-old black female, complaining of mouth sores for 8 months. Upon examination, multiple white and red striated plaques were observed at various oral sites. The diagnostic hypothesis was OLP, and a biopsy was performed. The histopathological report was suggestive of OPL, where the epithelium was atypical. Case 2 presents a 69-year-old white female, complaining of white patches found bilaterally on the tongue. A biopsy was performed due to the diagnostic hypothesis of leukoplakia. Histopathology revealed moderate epithelial dysplasia, showing inflammatory infiltration with a lichenoid pattern. Correlation with clinicopathology and follow-up were imperative for the final diagnosis of OLL. Similar clinical and histopathological features of OPL and OLL make their precise diagnosis complex. Thus, careful observation of clinicopathological and follow-up criteria are critical for the differential diagnosis of these lesions.