Oral Lichen Planus: A Cross-Sectional/Descriptive Study of 33 Patients

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Dermatology
• Pathology

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common oral mucosal lesion.
• Assessment of OLP is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
• OLP is often underdiagnosed or neglected in clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the demography and clinical characteristics of oral lichen planus.
• To determine the prevalence of OLP among patients with oral mucosal lesions.
• To identify potential exacerbating factors for OLP development and presentation.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 200 patients with oral mucosal lesions, identifying 33 with OLP.
• Data collection included patient demographics, habits (tobacco, alcohol), and lesion morphology.
• Clinical examination with photographic documentation was performed.

Main Results:

• Oral lichen planus accounted for 16.5% of all oral mucosal lesions studied.
• OLP demonstrated a higher prevalence in women aged 40-59 years compared to men in the same age group.
• Lesion morphology varied from reticular to erosive patterns; tobacco use and amalgam fillings were potential exacerbating factors.

Conclusions:

• Oral lichen planus is a significant oral mucosal condition, particularly affecting middle-aged women.
• Clinical diagnosis is primary, supported by histopathology, guiding future management approaches.
• Understanding OLP's prevalence and risk factors is essential for public health and clinical care.