Clinicopathological Correlation of Oral Lichen Planus

Abstract

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the mucous membranes, commonly affecting the oral cavity. It is often associated with mucosal lesions that can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The clinicopathological correlation is vital to determine its severity, progression, and the potential for malignant transformation.

Aim: To study the clinicopathological correlation in patients with oral lichen planus, evaluating the clinical presentation, histopathological findings, and their relationship with the disease severity.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with oral lichen planus. Detailed clinical examinations and histopathological evaluations were performed. The correlation between clinical features, such as lesion type and severity, and histopathological findings, including epithelial changes and inflammatory cell infiltration, were analyzed.

Results: The majority of patients presented with reticular OLP (60%), followed by erosive OLP (25%) and atrophic OLP (15%). Histopathological findings showed a dense band-like lymphocytic infiltration, with hyperkeratosis and acanthosis in the majority of cases. A significant correlation was found between the clinical severity and histopathological features of epithelial damage.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated a significant correlation between the clinical and histopathological findings in oral lichen planus. Erosive lesions were more likely to exhibit severe histopathological changes, indicating a potential for malignant transformation.

Keywords: Oral lichen planus, clinicopathological correlation, reticular lesions, erosive lesions, malignant transformation.