Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus masquerading as tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
O Ajayi1, J C Stephens, S Karim
1ENT Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, UK.
Objective:
We report a case of a 70-year-old man of Asian origin with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus affecting the tonsil, which presented as a painful, enlarging, exophytic lesion mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.
Method:
We present a case report and a review of the world literature regarding lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.
Results:
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, benign, inflammatory dermatosis of the skin and mucous membranes which mostly affects the female genitalia, presenting as white plaques with epidermal atrophy. The cause is unknown, although a number of aetiologies have been proposed. The prevalence is unknown. Women have been reported to be affected six to 10 times more than men, and the condition has no known racial preference.
Conclusion:
Our patient illustrates a rare case of the condition lichen sclerosus et atrophicus; to our knowledge, this case represents the first report of tonsillar involvement of the condition. The case presented a diagnostic challenge.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...