Clinical-histopathologic features in oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions: A comparative analysis

The clinical and histopathological distinctions between oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) are clinically and histopathologically difficult since they both have overlapping clinical presentations. The retrospective cross-sectional study involved the assessment of 100 biopsy-proven cases to determine discriminating clinical patterns and microscopic characteristics. OLP were significantly more bilateral and had a typical band-like superficial lymphocytic infiltrate with OLLs having recognisable triggers, more inflammation around vessels and frequent eosinophils. These histopathologic clues had high levels of discriminatory power between the two entities. A combination of clinical and major microscopic markers, i.e., eosinophil-rich infiltrates has a great impact on diagnostic accuracy between OLP and OLL.