Histomorphometric analysis of lichen planus and lichenoid lesions - Retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Dermatology
• Histopathology

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLL) are chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous conditions with overlapping clinical and histological features.
• Distinguishing OLP from OLL remains challenging despite diagnostic guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare morphometric parameters of suprabasal cells in OLP, OLL, and normal oral mucosa (NOM).
• To identify potential histological markers for differentiating OLP and OLL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 cases diagnosed with OLP, OLL, or NOM.
• Morphometric assessment of cellular area, nuclear area, nucleus-cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear diameter, and cellular diameter using ImageJ software.
• Statistical analysis of data using ANOVA.

Main Results:

• Oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions exhibited significantly higher mean values for nuclear area, cellular area, nuclear diameter, and cellular diameter compared to normal oral mucosa.
• The nucleus-cytoplasmic ratio was significantly lower in OLP and OLL when compared to normal oral mucosa.

Conclusions:

• Morphometric analysis reveals distinct cellular and nuclear differences between OLP, OLL, and NOM.
• These quantitative histological findings may contribute to improved differentiation of oral lichenoid conditions.