Oral lichenoid lesions of the upper lip.
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. It is characterized by notable heterogeneity in clinical presentation and behavior. We describe 3 patients with lichenoid lesions of the upper lip and upper anterior gingiva. These cases probably represent a clinical subtype of lichenoid lesions associated with microbial antigenicity and are characterized by persistency. All three patients had a long history of previous ineffective treatments and all three showed an excellent response to a combination of clarithromycin (2 x 250 mg/day) and prednisolone (15 mg/day). The combination of clarithromycin and prednisolone may be considered as an alternative intervention in patients with lichenoid lesions of the upper lip and upper anterior gingiva.
- Research Article
16
- 10.1159/000517971
- Aug 11, 2021
- Dermatology
Background: Oral lupus erythematosus (OLE) and oral lichen planus (OLP) are among the common causes of oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs). The differential diagnosis among causes of OLLs, particularly between OLE and OLP, is challenging as they have significant clinical and histopathological overlap. Objectives: To compare and summarize the clinical, histopathological, and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) findings between OLE, OLP, and other OLLs and to explore the diagnostic value of CD123 immunohistochemistry. Methods: A retrospective study on patients with OLE, OLP, and other OLLs was performed between January 2014 and December 2019. The baseline characteristics, the clinical, histopathological, and DIF features, as well as CD123 immunohistochemistry for plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDCs) were statistically analyzed and compared between groups. Results: Of 70 patients, 12 had OLE, 39 had OLP, and 19 had other OLLs. Oral erosions/ulcers were the most common findings in all three groups. Red macules, telangiectases, and discoid plaques were more common in OLE patients, while OLP cases were typified by reticulated patches (p < 0.05). Additionally, white patches were found more often in other OLLs than in both OLE and OLP (p = 0.002). Histologically, mucosal atrophy, basal vacuolization, and perivascular infiltrate were observed in OLE, whereas OLP specimens possessed mucosal hyperplasia, hypergranulosis, and compact orthokeratosis (p < 0.05). Mucosal spongiosis was a histologic feature that favored other OLLs over OLE and OLP (p < 0.001). Data on DIF were nonspecific for all three conditions. For immunohistochemical staining, the median number of total CD123+ PDCs was observed to be higher in OLE than OLP in the mucosal-submucosal junction (MSJ) (p = 0.021), the superficial perivascular area (p = 0.026), and the superficial and deep perivascular areas (p = 0.001). Likewise, PDCs in clusters ≥2+ were seen in significantly higher numbers on OLE than OLP along the MSJ (p = 0.002), the superficial perivascular area (p < 0.001), as well as the superficial and deep perivascular areas (p = 0.011). CD123+ PDCs were found to be significantly more numerous in both OLE and OLP than other OLLs in all of the abovementioned areas (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: While there are some differences in the clinicopathological features between OLE, OLP, as well as other OLLs, a significant overlap remains. The quantity and distribution pattern of CD123 immunohistochemical staining has a diagnostic implication in differentiating OLE from OLP and other OLLs.
- Research Article
263
- 10.1111/prd.12260
- May 15, 2019
- Periodontology 2000
Oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions comprise a group of disorders of the oral mucosa that likely represent a common reaction pattern to 1 or more unknown antigens. The coexistence of hyperkeratotic striation/reticulation, varying degrees of mucosal inflammation from mild erythema to severe widespread ulceration, and a band-like infiltrate of mononuclear inflammatory cells including activated T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, are considered suggestive of oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions. Several classification systems of oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions have been attempted, although none seem to be comprehensive. In this paper, we present a classification of oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions that includes oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid contact lesions, oral lichenoid drug reactions, oral lichenoid lesions of graft vs. host disease, discoid lupus erythematosus, and systemic lupus erythematosus, lichen planus-like variant of paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome, chronic ulcerative stomatitis, lichen planus pemphigoides, solitary fixed drug eruptions, and lichen sclerosus. We present the clinical and diagnostic aspects of oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions, and discuss related treatment options.
- Research Article
5
- 10.1016/j.revsto.2013.05.007
- Jul 9, 2013
- Revue de Stomatologie, de Chirurgie Maxillo-faciale et de Chirurgie Orale
Caractère potentiellement malin du lichen plan buccal et des lésions lichénoïdes
- Research Article
- 10.4103/drj.drj_447_23
- Sep 24, 2025
- Dental Research Journal
ABSTRACTBackground:Accurate and early diagnosis of dysplastic lesions is crucial for successful treatment. A decrease in E-cadherin expression has been observed in dysplastic lesions and tumors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of E-cadherin, a cell membrane adhesive protein involved in tissue structure and differentiation, in oral reticular lichen planus, erosive lichen planus, and lichenoid lesions.Materials and Methods:This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 oral samples (20 reticular lichen planus, 20 erosive lichen planus, and 20 lichenoid lesions, with 5 samples of healthy mucosa), to evaluate the expression of E-cadherin using immunohistochemical methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25), descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and Fisher’s exact tests, with a significance threshold set at P < 0.05.Results:The majority of patients were female (72.3%) and primarily in the sixth and seventh decades of life (49.2%). A significant difference was observed between the studied groups regarding staining status (P = 0.038), with erosive lichen planus showing the highest frequency of alterations in E-cadherin expression (45%). In addition, a significant difference was noted between staining status and lesion location (P = 0.004), with the highest frequency of E-cadherin expression changes occurring in buccal mucosal samples (30%).Conclusion:E-cadherin expression in erosive lichen planus is significantly lower than in healthy tissue, reticular lichen planus, and lichenoid lesions. Given the similar reduction observed in squamous cell carcinoma samples, evaluating E-cadherin expression may aid in the early recognition of malignant changes.
- Research Article
12
- 10.5588/ijtld.12.0113
- Oct 1, 2012
- The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
A teaching hospital in the Republic of Korea, 2003-2009. To evaluate the effect of previous tuberculosis (TB) treatment history on sputum smear and culture conversion. Data, including sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) results at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24, were collected from patients with AFB sputum smear-positive and culture-confirmed pulmonary TB. Patients with multidrug-resistant TB or those with poor adherence were excluded. AFB conversion was compared between patients with a previous history of anti-tuberculosis treatment and those without. The median age of the 208 patients was 49.0 years; 58.3% were male, while 43 (20.7%) had a history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment. Patients with a history of previous treatment had significantly lower sputum smear-negative conversion at 2 weeks of treatment compared with patients without (70.0% vs. 44.8%, P = 0.005). However, the two groups did not differ in culture conversion and in smear conversion at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Patients with a history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment are more likely to have positive sputum AFB smear at 2 weeks of treatment. However, sputum culture conversion is not affected by previous treatment history.
- Research Article
630
- 10.1016/j.tripleo.2006.11.001
- Jan 29, 2007
- Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics
Oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions: diagnostic and therapeutic considerations
- Research Article
- 10.7759/cureus.44782
- Sep 6, 2023
- Cureus
Introduction Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid reaction (OLR) constitute clinical entities with strong but unclear etiologic relation to dental materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate a correlation between the clinical form of OLP/OLR and the number of dental metal restorations in the oral cavity thus utilizing an exposure to metal (EM) index. Material and methods The study type is experimental, and the study design is characterized as semiquantitative research that belongs to the branch of experimental research. Twenty-nine patients were chosen based on clinical (either reticular or erosive clinical forms) and histologic findings suggestive of OLP/OLR. The files of patients were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Medicine/Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, during the period 2009-2019. The medical history of the patients did not include any disorder or medication associated with lichenoid lesions and the measurements took place concurrently with the establishment of the diagnosis, thus no treatment for the lichen planus had been administered prior to the measurements. Quantitative measurement of the percentage of dental surfaces restored through metal restorations and correlation with the clinical and histologic findings of OLP/OLR was evaluated. The EM index was evaluated on a scale of 1-3, which corresponds to the percentage of dental surfaces restored through metal restorations. The statistical analysis wasperformed with the Pearson chi-square test and the significance level was set at p≤0.05. Results The EM index was measured by dividing each tooth into five surfaces (occlusal, mesial, distal, buccal, lingual), subsequently multiplying the number of available teeth with the number 5 to calculate the total number of surfaces, and then counting the number of surfaces with metal restorations - both fillings and crowns (in case of metal-ceramic crowns, the respective dental surface is taken into account only in case of macroscopically exposed metal), dividing the number of surfaces with metal restorations with the total number of surfaces and multiply by 100 so that the results take the form of percentages (%) and finally classifying the percentages into three groups: 1: 0% metal restorations, 2: 1-25% metal restorations, 3: >26% metal restorations). The percentage in female patients ranged from 0% to 100%, whereas it ranged from 0% to 60% in male patients. According to the clinical form of the lichenoid lesion, the percentage ranged from 0% to 60% inreticular lichen planus cases and from 0% to 100% in erosive lichen planus cases. There was nostatistical difference between lichen planus cases, in total, and in normal oral epithelium. However, the levels of EM were marginally similar between the reticular lichen planus and the erosive lichen planus (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.056). Therefore, it may be the case that the EM index is higher in erosive lichenoid lesions. Conclusion In our study, the EM index was higher in female patients and in erosive lichenoid lesions. These findings should be tested and supported by larger samples of patientssince the aforementioned Fisher's Exact Test, p = 0.056 could fall below the threshold of 0.05 if more patients were included. This is the first attempt to establish a novel approach to differentiating erosive and reticular lichen planus based on the percentage of dental surfaces with metal restorations.
- Research Article
20
- 10.1080/00016357.2017.1332777
- May 31, 2017
- Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
Objective: Oral lichen planus (OLP) and lichenoid lesions (OLL) are regarded as precursor lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with potential for malignant transformation. This potential is not clear due to difficulties in diagnosis of OLP and OLL. Our aim was therefore to evaluate previously identified OLP and OLL as precursor lesions in OSCC and to identify cancer related etiological factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases (total 323, comprising 164 females and 159 males) with OSCC treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases and Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital during 2015. Confirmed by histopathological biopsy, 58 (17.9%) had OLP and 13 had OLL (4.0%) as precursor lesion.Results: Patients with OLP were slightly older than those without it. OLP was more common in females than in males (p < .0001). TN class 1 tumors were more prevalent among patients with OLP or OLL (p = .006) and cancer relapses less common (p = .005). Smoking was less frequent in patients with OLP and OLL (p < .0001). Also alcohol abuse was less frequent among these patients (p < .001).Conclusion: Our findings confirm the importance of active follow-up of all patients with OLP and OLL even in patients who do not fit a traditional high-risk category for OSCC.
- Research Article
7
- 10.4103/ijd.ijd_1060_20
- Nov 1, 2021
- Indian Journal of Dermatology
Background:Recent highlights have investigated the possible roles of molecular chaperons like heat shock proteins (HSPs) into Lichen Planus (LP)-onset and pathogenesis. This study for the first, determine the expression of both HSP60 and HSP70 genes in cutaneous LP (CLP) and oral LP (OLP) lesions compared to normal healthy cases and between different subtypes of OLP lesions by real-time (RT)-PCR.Materials and Methods:Paraffin blocks of LP lesions including 56 OLP and 56 CLP samples were selected from theMashhad University of Medical sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Also 56 biopsy samples of healthy normal participants were selected. The demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted from their medical records. The expression of HSP60 and HPS70 genes were evaluated using the real-time RT-PCR method.Results:The comparison of the expression of HSP60 and HSP70 genes among the patients with CLP and OLP showed a significant overexpression of HSP60 and HSP70 genes in both groups compared to the normal participants (P = 0.001). The expression of HSP60 and HSP70 genes was high in both the groups of CLP and OLP patients, but the amount was not significantly different between the two groups. Comparing the two mucosal subgroups of OLP lesions (non-erosive and erosive) showed that the expression of the HSP60 and HSP70 in erosive subtypes of OLP was significantly higher than the non-erosive subtypes of OLP (P = 0.001).Conclusion:Regarding the overexpression of HSP60 and HSP70 in the LP lesions compared to healthy biopsies, we conclude that HSP60 and HSP70 could have key roles in the etiopathogenesis of the OLP and CLP lesions. The overexpression of both HSP60 and HSP70 in the erosive OLP group compared to the non-erosive OLP group emphasized the possible roles of HSPs in the pathogenesis and premalignant changes of OLP lesions.
- Research Article
8
- 10.4103/0970-9290.116678
- Jan 1, 2013
- Indian Journal of Dental Research
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that clinically and histologically resembles lichenoid lesions, although the latter has a different etiology. Though criteria have been suggested for differentiating oral lichen planus from lichenoid lesions, confusion still prevails. To study the cellular and nuclear volumetric features in the epithelium of normal mucosa, lichen planus, and lichenoid lesions to determine variations if any. A retrospective study was done on 25 histologically diagnosed cases each of oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, and normal oral mucosa. Cellular and nuclear morphometric measurements were assessed on hematoxylin and eosin sections using image analysis software. Analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. The basal cells of oral lichen planus showed a significant increase in the mean nuclear and cellular areas, and in nuclear volume; there was a significant decrease in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio as compared to normal mucosa. The suprabasal cells showed a significant increase in nuclear and cellular areas, nuclear diameter, and nuclear and cellular volumes as compared to normal mucosa. The basal cells of oral lichenoid lesions showed significant difference in the mean cellular area and the mean nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio as compared to normal mucosa, whereas the suprabasal cells differed significantly from normal mucosa in the mean nuclear area and the nuclear and cellular volumes. Morphometry can differentiate lesions of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions from normal oral mucosa. Thus, morphometry may serve to discriminate between normal and premalignant lichen planus and lichenoid lesions. These lesions might have a high risk for malignant transformation and may behave in a similar manner with respect to malignant transformation.
- Research Article
39
- 10.1097/dad.0000000000001071
- Jul 1, 2018
- The American Journal of Dermatopathology
A great number of lichenoid lesions have overlapping clinicopathological features, so the use of adjunct tests to establish definitive diagnosis is recommended for correct management and prognosis of the lesions. In this context, direct immunofluorescence (DIF) can be a useful tool. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the clinical, histopathological, and DIF pattern in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and patients with oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs). Patients with OLP and patients with OLL were characterized and compared with patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, and fibrous hyperplasia through a cross-sectional study. Patients with OLP (n = 30) and patients with OLL (n = 26) were mostly white women in the fifth decade of age, with reticular lesions mainly on the buccal mucosa. All patients with OLP and half of the patients with OLL showed liquefaction degeneration at the basal cell layer and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate in the subepithelial tissue. Twenty-two patients with OLP (73.3%), 10 with OLL (38.4%), 25 with mucous membrane pemphigoid (96.1%), and all with pemphigus vulgaris (100%) had positive DIF. There was no positive DIF in patients with fibrous hyperplasia. The most frequent DIF pattern in patients with OLP and patients with OLL was linear fibrinogen at the basement membrane zone, and a logistic regression model for positive DIF found statistically significant difference in OLP versus OLL (odds ratio, 3.73; confidence interval, 1.23-11.38). Although clinical and histopathological features are sufficient for diagnosing most of the patients with OLP and OLL, DIF is a key tool in differentiating some lichenoid lesions and could improve the diagnosis of OLP and OLL, especially in lesions showing typical clinical and histological features of OLP.
- Research Article
- 10.1158/1538-7445.am2022-5935
- Jun 15, 2022
- Cancer Research
Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP), a common, chronic inflammatory condition, is categorized as potentially malignant by the World Health Organization. However, some hypothesize that only lichenoid lesions with dysplasia (LLD) are at risk of progression to cancer. Others have proposed subtypes of LLD, with differing malignant risks. Objectives: To determine if subtypes of LLD exist, based on clinical and histological features, and to determine the proportion of malignant progression in these subtypes. Methods: A nested case control study was conducted using tissue samples and longitudinal data of patients enrolled in the Oral Cancer Prediction Longitudinal study. Inclusion criteria were a biopsy confirmed diagnosis of lichenoid mucositis with dysplasia, no history of head and neck cancer, at least 5 years of follow-up, and accessible clinical photographs and bio-banked tissue. A chart review was conducted, and photographs reviewed to assess for lesion features characteristic of OLP. Histological sections were examined for lichenoid inflammation, and immunohistochemical staining for collagen IV was used to evaluate the integrity of the basement membrane (BM). Two subtypes of LLD were proposed: 1) a primary lichenoid and secondary dysplastic (L1D2) type defined as a lesion with a reticular and bilateral clinical presentation, subepithelial inflammation, and evidence of BM degeneration, and 2) a primary dysplastic and secondary lichenoid type (D1L2), which may present unilaterally or bilaterally, clinically resemble OLP or leukoplakia, and exhibit subepithelial inflammation with or without evidence of BM degeneration. Association with outcome, which was defined as progression to severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, or squamous cell carcinoma, was tested using Fisher’s Exact test. Results: All progressing cases had a non-homogenous clinical presentation (P=0.005) and were more apt to change (in size, texture, and/or appearance) over time (P=0.002). A reticular, smooth appearance was more common in non-progressing cases (P=0.007, P=0.016, respectively). 30% of cases in the D1L2 subtype progressed to malignancy, compared to none in the L1D2 group, though this finding did not reach statistical significance (P=0.081). Conclusion: LLD with a non-homogenous, non-reticular clinical presentation are at greater risk of progression, and a high proportion of cases exhibiting primary dysplastic features progressed to malignancy, indicating that LLD should be under close clinical follow-up. Citation Format: Iris Lin, Oh Run Kim, Leigha Rock, Lewei Zhang, Miriam Rosin, Martial Guillaud, Denise Laronde. Malignant risk assessment of clinical and histological subtypes of lichenoid mucositis with dysplasia [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5935.
- Research Article
10
- 10.1155/2019/1603657
- May 7, 2019
- International Journal of Dentistry
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) patients. Patients and Methods A prospective clinical study was conducted at the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery in Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, from January 2012 to June 2018. The patients involved in this study were diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome according to the AECG (American-European consensus group) diagnostic criteria. Among these patients, we searched for those affected by OLP or OLL as determined by the WHO (World Health Organisation) classification of 2003. Clinical variables such as age, sex, medical conditions and medications, type of SS (primary or secondary), clinical form of OLP, and treatment were analyzed. The assessment of the results was performed using SPSS software. Results We evaluated 30 patients (27 females and 3 males) diagnosed with SS (24 had primary SS) with a mean age of 55 years and 11 months (±11,714). Overall, 9 patients had oral lesions (30%). Two patients had OLP associated with secondary SS (25%). Primary Sjogren's syndrome patients had 6 OLP lesions and one erythematous lichenoid lesion. OLP was erosive in eight patients, among them two had vulvo-vaginal-gingival syndrome. OLP lesions showed improvement in symptoms after topical or general corticosteroids treatment, while OLL showed improvement only under antibiotic treatment. Conclusion The results of our analysis suggest that patients with SS have 30% prevalence of OLP and OLL. This possible association shows the importance of screening for oral dryness in patients with OLP or OLL. Treatment includes topical or general corticosteroids for erosive forms associated or not with topical antifungal treatment to treat or prevent oral candidiasis.
- Research Article
- 10.1111/jop.70139
- Apr 14, 2026
- Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology
To estimate the risk for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) among patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) or lichenoid lesions (OLL) and the possible risk factors. Two hundred thirty-nine OLP and 84 OLL patients diagnosed between years 1982 and 2017 were followed up to December 2023, diagnosis of an OSCC, or death. Potential demographic and clinical risk factors were compared, and a Cox proportional-hazards model was used to investigate associations between time to OSCC onset and variables of interest. Six OLP patients (2.5%; three females), in a mean follow-up of 17.5 years, and six OLL patients (7.1%; three females), in a mean follow-up of 13.8 years, developed OSCC. The annual MT rate was 0.14% for OLP and 0.5% for OLL. The mean time for OSCC development from OLP diagnosis was 11.4 years and from OLL diagnosis 12 years. Four OLP patients (67%; two females) developed OSCC in the mobile tongue, while in OLL patients OSCCs occurred at various sites. A potential association was observed between floor-of-mouth lesions in OLP and gingival or extraoral LP involvement in OLL and increased OSCC risk. This study confirms that both OLP and OLL patients are at a long-term risk of OSCC, and the risk is higher for OLL patients. Site-specific lesions in OLP and OLL were linked to increased OSCC risk, warranting confirmation in larger studies.
- Research Article
8
- 10.2334/josnusd.43.151
- Jan 1, 2001
- Journal of Oral Science
There is presently no line of distinction between oral lichen planus and other oral lichenoid lesions. The aim of this study is to determine using histomorphometry, the differences between these lesions. Paraffin sections from 7 normal buccal epithelium, 19 oral lichen planus (LP), 14 oral lichenoid lesions (LL) and 7 discoid lupus erythematosus-like lesions (DLE-ll) were selected. The nuclear volume (V(N)) and cellular-volume (V(CELL)) of the epithelium were assessed using an image analyser. The V(N) and V(CELL), derived for both basal and spinal strata in LP and DLE-ll were 2.3 times more than that of normal tissues. There was a significant difference between LP and LL (P < 0.005) and between LL and DLE-ll (P < 0.001), but not between LP and DLE-ll. In conclusion, there appears to be a difference between LP, LL and DLE-ll and V(N) and V(CELL) may serve as potential discriminators between these groups of lesions.