Histologic lichenoid features in oral dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma

Objective. This study describes the occurrence of histopathologic characteristics of oral lichenoid mucositis in epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. Study Design. This retrospective review examined 352 histologic specimens of group 1 (mild to moderate dysplasia), group 2 (severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ), and group 3 (squamous cell carcinoma) for correlation between 5 histologic characteristics frequently found in oral lichen planus and grade, age, gender, and oral subsite. Results. In this sample, 29% of all cases exhibited 3 or more lichenoid features. Lichenoid features were significantly more frequent in group 1 over group 2 lesions for cases meeting a minimum lichenoid threshold (P = .001). No statistically significant patterns were noted for age or gender. The buccal mucosa was significantly overrepresented (P = .039) and the floor of the mouth was significantly underrepresented (P = .049) in regard to lichenoid feature frequency. Conclusions. This study confirms the frequent correlation of lichenoid characteristics in oral premalignant and malignant lesions.