Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Simultaneous Laryngopharyngeal and Conventional Esophageal pH Monitoring
Published on: December 14, 2020
Esophageal lichen planus: a rare case.
Cristina Teixeira1, Ana Luísa Alves2, Isabelle Cremers2
1Gastroenterology, Centro Hospitalar de Setubal, Portugal.
Lichen planus is a rare idiopathic disease affecting skin and mucosae. This case highlights esophageal lichen planus in a 50-year-old man, a condition linked to squamous cell carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lichen planus is a rare idiopathic inflammatory condition.
- It commonly affects the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral cavity.
- Esophageal involvement is less common, particularly in men.
Observation:
- The case involves a 50-year-old male patient.
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of esophageal disease.
- Esophageal lichen planus can be asymptomatic or present with dysphagia and odynophagia.
Findings:
- Esophageal lichen planus, though rare, has been associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
- Systemic corticotherapy is the primary treatment, but high relapse rates (85%) are noted upon steroid withdrawal.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of esophageal lichen planus demographics.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial due to the potential malignant transformation.
- Further research into long-term management strategies for esophageal lichen planus is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease II: Clinical Features and Management
Clinical Manifestations
GERD presents itself in a multitude of ways, with symptoms varying from person to person. The hallmark symptoms are...

