Histological evidence for lichen planus in clinically normal perilesional tissue

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Dermatology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting oral mucosa.
• Clinical presentation of OLP can vary, making diagnosis challenging.
• Understanding the subclinical extent of OLP is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the histological characteristics of clinically normal oral mucous membrane adjacent to OLP lesions.
• To determine the prevalence of OLP features in perilesional biopsies.
• To assess the subclinical spread of inflammation in OLP.

Main Methods:

• Biopsies were obtained from lesional and perilesional sites in 26 patients with clinically typical OLP.
• Histopathological examination was performed on all biopsies to identify OLP features.
• Comparison of histological findings between lesional and perilesional tissues was conducted.

Main Results:

• 85% of lesional biopsies showed typical or some features of OLP.
• 46% of perilesional biopsies exhibited typical or some features of OLP.
• 55% of cases with OLP in lesional biopsies also showed OLP features in adjacent perilesional tissue.

Conclusions:

• The inflammatory process in OLP frequently extends beyond clinically apparent lesions.
• Histological examination of perilesional tissue is valuable for diagnosing OLP.
• Clinically normal-appearing oral mucosa adjacent to OLP may harbor subclinical inflammation.