Mucosal lesions associated with lupus erythematosus may precede, occur concurrent with or independent of cutaneous or systemic involvement.
Mucosal sites that may be involved:
(1) lips and oral mucosa
(2) nasal mucosa
(3) conjunctiva
(4) anus
(5) labia and vagina
Lesions:
(1) erythema or erythematous macules
(2) bullous lesions or blisters
(3) erosions or ulcerations
(4) mucosal atrophy
(5) areas of scarring
The lesions may be asymptomatic or painful. Lesions may go unrecognized by the patient.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) apthous ulcerations
(2) lichen planus
(3) cancer
(4) trauma
(5) other autoimmune diseases
(6) herpes simplex virus (HSV)
(7) syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases
(8) HIV
(9) drug-induced lesions
Biopsy may be required to distinguish mucosal lupus erythematosus from the other conditions. This is particularly important in detecting malignant lesions.
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