SYNCHRONICITY OF ORAL LICHEN PLANUS AND MUCOEPIDERMOID CARCINOMA OF MINOR SALIVARY GLAND. CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background Oral lichen planus is a disease of unknown origin, although its etiology associated with immune disorders is favored. It is difficult to control and has distinctive clinical characteristics that mainly affect vestibular mucosa among other oral mucosa sites. On the other hand, mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm of minor salivary glands, appearing mainly on the palate. In labial mucosa it can appear as nodules of slow growth, asymptomatic and with blue coloration. A case is reported where both entities are diagnosed in the same patient. Case Presentation A 53-year-old female patient presented with reticular lesions and white plaques with erosive areas distributed in almost all oral mucosa and vermilion borders, with 1 year of evolution that has worsened over time without diminishing over various treatments. On examination, a mobile firm nodule, 1.0 cm in diameter, was distinguished in the submucosal aspect of the lower left labial mucosa. Upon interrogation, the patient was referred for a surgical procedure a year and a half ago without obtaining a histopathologic diagnosis. Biopsies were indicated in both processes. Oral lichen planus and CM of the labial lesion were corroborated by microscopy. Treatment with topical steroids and monitoring of the surgical site of labial mucosa was indicated. After 1-year follow-up, there was control of oral lichen planus and no recurrence of CM. Conclusions The importance of extra- and intraoral examination is based on the various clinical diagnoses found in patients because they can be unique and multiple, with the latter independent or dependent on each other with better treatment and prognosis opportunities.