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.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|December 24, 2008
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in a 70-year-old man
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatosis affecting skin and mucous membranes.
- Typically presenting as white plaques with epidermal atrophy, LSA predominantly affects the female genitalia.
- The etiology of LSA remains unknown, with various factors proposed.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male presented with a painful, exophytic tonsillar lesion.
- The lesion's appearance mimicked squamous cell carcinoma, posing a diagnostic challenge.
- This represents a rare presentation of LSA in the tonsil.
Findings:
- The case highlights the potential for LSA to manifest atypically.
- Tonsillar involvement in LSA is exceptionally rare, with this being the first reported case.
- Diagnostic differentiation from malignancy is crucial.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.
- It underscores the importance of considering LSA in the differential diagnosis of oropharyngeal lesions.
- Further research may elucidate the pathogenesis of extragenital LSA presentations.
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