title: Oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus: report of two new cases.
abstract: Atrophic-erosive lichen planus with oral and genital involvement is a rare condition and is often difficult to diagnose. Patients seldom report genital symptoms to the dentist and dentists do not generally investigate about genital lesions. Delays in diagnosis may cause complications and affect the quality of life. We report the clinical and histopathological features of two new cases of oro-vaginal-vulvar lichen planus and review current treatment options for this condition. Genital lichen planus should be suspected in case of atrophic-erosive oral lichen planus. A thorough multidisciplinary medical management and active early treatment are necessary to improve symptoms and prevent genital sequelae. This might also be a relevant prevention strategy for the risk of squamous cell carcinoma, although data to fully support this statement still need investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontostomatology and Surgery, University of Bari, Via Zara 1, 74100 Taranto, Italy. petruzmf@tin.it
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Petruzzi
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Benedittis
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carriero
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giardina
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parisi
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Serpico
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy