Oral and Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Oral Medicine: Focuses on mucocutaneous disorders.
• Pathology: Histological confirmation of inflammatory conditions.
• Endocrinology: Association with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Background:

• Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder affecting genital and extragenital skin.
• Oral lichen sclerosus (OLS) is rare, sometimes presenting as the only manifestation of LS.
• LS can be associated with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old woman presented with asymptomatic, indurated whitish lesions on the tongue and buccal mucosa with desquamative gingivitis.
• Histological examination confirmed oral lichen sclerosus (OLS).
• The patient had a history of vulvar LS diagnosed a year prior, treated successfully with topical corticosteroids.

Findings:

• Oral LS lesions were successfully treated with betamethasone ointment.
• Vulvar LS lesions were treated with clobetasol propionate ointment.
• This case underscores the rare co-occurrence of OLS and vulvar LS.

Implications:

• OLS is often asymptomatic, making early detection during dental examinations crucial.
• While genital LS carries a risk of malignant transformation, OLS has not been reported to undergo malignant change.
• Further research is needed to establish treatment guidelines for OLS due to limited reported cases.