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Esophageal Lichen Planus-Contemporary Insights and Emerging Trends
Wolfgang Kreisel1, Rebecca Diehl2, Annegrit Decker1
1Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
Biomedicines
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) is an underdiagnosed condition affecting middle-aged women, potentially leading to esophageal cancer. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are crucial for improving patient outcomes and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lichen planus (LP) is a common inflammatory condition affecting various tissues.
- LP involves Type-I inflammation with key mediators like IFN-γ and IL-17.
- Esophageal involvement in LP (ELP) is underreported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on esophageal lichen planus.
- To highlight diagnostic challenges and management strategies for ELP.
- To emphasize the precancerous potential of ELP.
Main Methods:
- PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases were searched.
- Studies on esophageal lichen planus were included without time restrictions.
- Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms were used for comprehensive searching.
Main Results:
- Esophageal lichen planus (ELP) primarily affects middle-aged women and can be asymptomatic.
- ELP presents with dysphagia, mucosal abnormalities, and can progress to stenosis.
- Histological findings include T-lymphocytic infiltrations and fibrinogen deposits.
- Topical steroids offer improvement in two-thirds of cases; JAK-inhibitors are a promising option.
- ELP is a precursor to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
Conclusions:
- ELP is underdiagnosed and significantly impacts patient well-being.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for effective diagnosis and management.
- Timely intervention is critical to prevent complications like stenosis and cancer.
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