How to perform differential diagnosis for oral lichen planus
Disease description:
Recently, I have developed many papules in my mouth, and they are very painful. After visiting the hospital's oral medicine department, the doctor diagnosed it as oral lichen planus. How is oral lichen planus differentiated and diagnosed?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The differential diagnosis of oral lichen planus involves multiple aspects and requires comprehensive consideration of clinical manifestations, lesion characteristics, and necessary pathological examinations.
1. Oral lichen planus commonly presents with symmetrical white linear, arborizing, ring-like, or reticular striations. Lesions are frequently found on the buccal mucosa, tongue, lips, and other areas.
2. Oral lichen planus must be differentiated from several other diseases, such as leukoplakia, discoid lupus erythematosus, and oral erythroplasia. Leukoplakia typically presents as white or chalky white patches, with lesions not confined to individual or a few papillae. Discoid lupus erythematosus lesions often extend toward the skin side, whereas oral lichen planus lesions spread only within the mucosa. Oral erythroplasia must be diagnosed through histopathological examination.
3. When diagnosis is uncertain, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
If in doubt, please consult a relevant physician.
