Original scientific paper
Thorough Clinical Evaluation of Skin, as well as Oral, Genital and Anal Mucosa is Beneficial in Lichen Planus Patients
Larisa Stojanovič
Tomaž Lunder
Ksenija Rener-Sitar
Boštjan Mlakar
Mojca Matičič
Abstract
Lichen planus (LP) is a common mucocutaneous disease of unknown aetiology with various geographical prevalence,
may be related to some serious disorders such as squamous cell carcinoma and often remains underdiagnosed. The aim
of this retrospective study was to thoroughly determine localization and clinical characteristics of LP lesions in a cohort
of 173 Slovenian patients in association to the presence of accompanying symptoms and history of potential stressful
events. Isolated cutaneous lesions of LP were found in 56.6% and isolated oral LP in 3.5% of patients. Thirty-four percent
presented orocutaneous LP, whereas genitocutaneous LP was noted in 1.2%, orogenito-cutaneous LP in 4% and
orogenital LP in 0.5% of patients. Underlying stressful events were noted in 36 out of 137 (26.3%) patients. Despite obviously
visible localization of the lesions various medical specialists should be familiar with LP and thoroughly examine
the complete skin, as well as oral, genital and anal mucosa in each LP patient to avoid a delay in diagnosing this disease
and possibly disclose a much serious underlying condition. Psychological support should be offered, if needed.
Keywords
lichen planus; localization; stressful events; pruritus
Hrčak ID:
64723
URI
Publication date:
7.3.2011.
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