Oral lichen planus. A clinical evaluation of 111 cases.

In spite of extensive research, the nature and origin of oral lichen planus (OLP) are still unknown. A clinical examination of 111 cases of OLP is presented. OLP predominantly occurred in middle-aged and elderly patients ranging in age from 40-60 years; 69.4% of the patients were women. The chief complaints of the patients were a sore or burning sensation or white lesions. Many patients seeked consultation after more than 3 month from the onset of disease. Some type of systemic disease was noted in 77 cases (69.4%), and 45 cases (40.5%) used some form of medication. A history of allergy was present in 19 cases (17.1%) and skin lesions were noted in 11 cases (9.9%). The distribution of OLP by site of occurrence was as follows; buccal mucosa 83.8%, upper and lower gingivae 32.4%, tongue 24.3%, lips 19.8%, floor of mouth and palate, less than 10%.These lesions were distributed in a symmetrical or multiple pattern, but OLP predominantly found on the mucous membrane of the vestibule oris. The size of the lesions was often more than 3 cm in diameter. Reticular lesions were most common, followed by atrophic red lesions. Many factors have been reported to cause lichen planus. However, the present clinical study suggests that OLP is caused by other local factors than skin lichen planus.