Erosive Oral Lichen Planus: A Case Report

Abstract

Oral lichen planus is a commonly encountered chronic inflammatory cell mediated immune disease of the oral mucosa, commonly presenting as bilateral white striations known as Wickham's striae, which are often located primarily in atrophic or erosive lesions. Both specific immune responses and non-specific inflammatory pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. Disruption of physiological immune regulation is thought to be a particularly important factor, which may involve CD40, TNF-α, MMPs, Fas ligand, and mast cell degradation. Treatment options are available, and the course of the condition is often influenced by a number of local and systemic factors. Oral lichen planus is more often diagnosed in female patients as compared to male patients, and diagnosis usually occurs based on clinical findings and histopathological findings, including immunofluorescence and cytology. Some cases show suppression and remission by itself. In this care report, we present a 51-year-old female patient who reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology diagnosed with oral lichen planus.