Lichen planus pigmentosus of the Oral Mucosa: A Rare Clinical Variety

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a case of lichen planus of the mouth with intense melanosis, in a middle-aged white male. Due to its unusual clinical characteristics, we believe that this case represents a rare variant of lichen planus of the oral mucosa. The histopathologic findings, differential diagnosis and its possible connection with lichen planus pigmentosus of the skin are discussed.

A study of 124 Indian patients with lichen planus pigmentosus

“…Rarely, involvement can be generalized. Palms, soles and nails are not affected and involvement of oral mucosa is infrequent 12 …”

Lichen planus pigmentosus: a retrospective clinico‐epidemiologic study with emphasis on the rare follicular variant

“…Various morphological patterns of LPP including diffuse (most common), reticular, blotchy, perifollicular, 2 and atypical variants like inversus, 3 linear, 4 mucosal 5 and zosteriform 6 have been described. Herein, we report six unique cases of follicular LPP (FLPP), a previously undescribed morphological variant.…”

Pigmented Lesions of the Oral Cavity

“…In the oral cavity, this form of reactive pigmentation is most commonly observed in patients with clinical evidence of lichenoid inflammation. 7 The pigment may be focal or diffuse and patchy, but is often regional to the lichenoid lesion (Figure 2). The coloration is often light brown.…”