Abstract
Background
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated disease that affects the oral mucosa. Recent findings have suggested that oral lichen planus is often associated with submucosal fibrotic changes. Fibrotic changes in the buccal submucosa may cause restricted mouth opening. This report discusses the histopathological examination (including specialized staining) and surgical treatment for oral lichen planus-induced fibrotic changes.
Case presentation
Here, we describe a 63-year-old woman who had oral lichen planus with fibrotic changes. Her maximum mouth opening distance was approximately 30 mm due to submucosal fibrotic changes, and she exhibited gradual fibrosis progression. Histological examinations were performed to assess the oral lichen planus-induced fibrotic changes. Then, double Z-plasty were performed as treatment for restricted mouth opening. The immunohistochemical staining results were negative for cytokeratin 13 and positive in some layers for cytokeratin 17 and Ki-67/MIB-1. Masson's trichrome staining showed enhanced collagen formation. Postoperative mouth opening training enabled the patient to achieve a mouth opening distance of > 50 mm.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that histopathological examination with specialized staining can aid in the evaluation of oral lichen planus-induced fibrotic changes, and that Z-plasty is effective for the treatment of restricted mouth opening due to oral lichen planus.
Immunohistochemical Study of Differential Expressions of CAR, E-Cadherin, CK-13, -17, p53 and Ki-67 in Oral Lichen Planus, Lichenoid Lesion and Lichenoid Epithelial Dysplasia