CLINICOPATHOLOGIC FEATURES OF ORAL LICHEN PLANUS IN A STOMATOLOGY SERVICE: A DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS

Lichen planus is a T-cell mediated mucocutaneous disease of unknown etiology. Knowledge on epidemiologic data from the disease is important to prevent and to establish therapeutic strategies. Objective: The aim of this study was to review cases diagnosed as oral lichen planus in a stomatology service. Study Design: All cases diagnosed as oral lichen planus were reviewed and epidemiologic data were obtained from the patients’ records. Demographic and clinical data were described, including sex, age, occupation, location, and clinical aspect of the lesions and symptoms. Clinical and histologic analysis was performed using van der Waalu0027s parameters (van der Waal, 2009). Cases with incomplete data and without final conclusive diagnosis were excluded. Results: Sixteen cases composed the final sample through both clinical and histologic criteria. Females were more affected (94%) and mean age of the patients was 55 years old (ranging from 24 to 82 years old). The most common site of involvement was buccal mucosa and most lesions were bilateral. Some patients (44%) complained about burning symptoms. Conclusions: Oral lichen planus affected more middle age females with discrete signs and symptoms.