An analysis of various patterns and presentations of oral lichen planus: A clinico epidemiological study

• Author Details:   
• Raj Patolia ^*
• N S Bhavani

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Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder with varied presentation. Some forms have even been predisposed to malignant potential.
Aims & Objectives: To investigate the clinico-epidemiological profile of oral lichen planus and to evaluate various risk factors in a third world country along with clinico-histopathological correlation.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out over a period of 6 months at dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in south Gujarat. Patients having clinical lesions of oral lichen planus and willing to give written informed consent were included in the study. Patients not willing to participate and less than 18 years age were excluded from the study. Detailed history and clinical examination was conducted of those enrolled in the study. Results were noted and analysed.
Results: 106 clinical cases were included in the study of which 60 were females. At the time of presentation only 33 (31.13%) patients had one or the other symptoms. Major complaints were of oral discomfort in 16 (48.48%) patients, pain in 12 (36.36%) patients and soreness in 5 (15.15%) patients. The most common site involved was the buccal mucosa, followed by the tongue, gingiva, and lips. Reticular form was the most common variant found in the study (63.2%). Tobacco addiction was predominant among patients (33.01%). Simultaneous extraoral involvement was seen in 9 (8.49%) patients. There was a correlation between the clinical and histopathological findings in 60 (81.08%) cases.
Conclusion: Amongst multiple patterns and presentations of oral lichen planus, asymptomatic reticular variant was found to be maximum. This study highlighted the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with the condition of which tobacco addiction was predominant. It also stresses on early detection and monitoring of Oral Lichen Planus, owing to its potential malignant transformation.

Keywords: Oral lichen planus, Addiction, Dysplasia, Symptoms