Hypertrophic lichen planus on lip mimicking SCC

Clin Case Rep. 2022 Aug 8;10(8):e6191. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.6191. eCollection 2022 Aug.

Abstract

The lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory and immune-mediated disorder that can affect the hair, mucous membranes, nails, and skin. Lichen planus rarely affects the lips. In cases of lip involvement, it presents as radiated streaks, lace-like papules, and erosions. There is no report of lip LP presenting as hypertrophic plaque. Here, we report interesting and rare clinical presentations of LP in a 45-year-old male patient that presented with a verrucous hyperkeratotic plaque on the lower lip mimicking squamous cell carcinoma. However, oral examination revealed, reticulated white patches on the bilateral buccal mucosa, and a biopsy of the lip lesion revealed lichenoid dermatitis which led to the diagnosis of hypertrophic lichen planus. Familiarity with the different clinical presentations of LP and its variants is essential for prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

Keywords: hypertrophic; lichen planus; lip; squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports