Description

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease of unknown cause that usually affects the genitalia. Rarely it may involve the oral mucosa.


Clinical features:

(1) white, plaque-like lesions

(2) usually asymptomatic, occasionally pruritic or painful

(3) rarely telangiectasia may be present

 

Locations may include:

(1) buccal mucosa

(2) labial mucosa

(3) lip

(4) gingiva

(5) tongue

(6) palate

 

Biopsy shows hyalinizing fibrosis in the submucosa with chronic inflammation and mucosal atrophy.

 

It is important to exclude other conditions such as lichen planus and leukoplakia.


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