Mucoscopic Features of Oral Lichen Planus: A Retrospective Comparative Study with Inflammatory Mimickers

Area of Science:

• Oral Medicine
• Dermatology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with malignant transformation potential.
• Histopathology is the gold standard, but mucoscopy offers a non-invasive assessment of OLP features.
• Understanding mucoscopic patterns across oral sites is crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate mucoscopic characteristics of OLP on different oral mucosal sites.
• To compare OLP mucoscopy findings with other oral inflammatory conditions.
• To assess the diagnostic relevance of mucoscopy in differentiating OLP.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparative study of 106 patients (33 OLP, 73 controls).
• Mucoscopic evaluation of buccal mucosa, vermilion, and lingual mucosa.
• Assessment of background color, striae patterns, vascularity, erosions, and other features; statistical analysis performed.

Main Results:

• Reticular striae were highly specific to OLP on buccal mucosa (90.9%).
• Leukoplakia-like lesions associated with dotted/looped vessels on lingual mucosa.
• Erosions correlated with dotted/linear vessels; control lesions showed globular structures and diffuse vascularity.

Conclusions:

• Mucoscopy reveals distinct, site-specific patterns aiding OLP diagnosis.
• Comparative analysis highlights mucoscopy's utility in differentiating OLP from other inflammatory conditions.
• Mucoscopy can identify lesions with malignant potential, supporting its integration into clinical practice.