European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background:Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with a
relatively high prevalence varying from 0.9 % to 1.2%. It may be confined to oral
cavity or associated with the skin, nails and other mucosal sites. Oral lesions are
chronic, rarely undergo spontaneous remission and are often a source of morbidity.
OBJECTIVE - To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of oral
lichen planus (OLP) in a group of patients.
Materials and Methods: This is retrospective study done at Gandhi Hospital from 2017
to 2019. A total of 64 lichen planus patients with oral involvement were included. OLP
is diagnosed based on the morphology and associated lesions on the skin, nails or other
mucosa. A biopsy was done in doubtful cases.
Results: Out of 64 studied patients females(41) outnumbered males(23) .The common
age group was 30-60yrs. Isolated OLP was observed in 42%, with cutaneous LP 50%,
with nail involvement 3%, and with genital mucosa 4 %. Buccal mucosa is the
commonest site (84%) followed by tongue 28% and lip 20%. LP involving the lower lip
with actinic changes 5(39%) and pigmentation in 8(61%). The common patterns
observed were reticular 65.6%, erosive 11% and pigmented 11%. Other associations
were submucosal fibrosis in 6, diabetes 10, hypothyroidism 4, vitiligo 1, retro-positive 4,
HCV in 2.
Conclusion: In our study reticular pattern involving the buccal mucosa was the
commonest. Our study showed that LP involving the lower lip was mimicking actinic
cheilitis which may be differentiated. Association of LP with HCV was seen in only in
3.1 % of cases. Regular follow-up was needed for erosive or ulcerative and atrophic LP.