title: Diagnosis of oral lichen planus: a position paper of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
abstract: Despite being one of the most common oral mucosal diseases and recognized as early as 1866, oral lichen planus (OLP) is still a disease without a clear etiology or pathogenesis, and with uncertain premalignant potential. More research is urgently needed; however, the research material must be based on an accurate diagnosis. Accurate identification of OLP is often challenging, mandating inclusion of clinico-pathological correlation in the diagnostic process. This article summarizes current knowledge regarding OLP, discusses the challenges of making an accurate diagnosis, and proposes a new set of diagnostic criteria upon which to base future research studies. A checklist is also recommended for clinicians to provide specific information to pathologists when submitting biopsy material. The diagnostic process of OLP requires continued clinical follow-up after initial biopsy, because OLP mimics can manifest, necessitating an additional biopsy for direct immunofluorescence study and/or histopathological evaluation in order to reach a final diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX, USA. Electronic address: Ycheng@bcd.tamhsc.edu.
authors.forename: Yi-Shing Lisa
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Louisville Oral Pathology Laboratory, Louisville, KY, USA.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Health and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Zoya
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Kurago
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Medicine, Hofstra North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fantasia
authors.affiliation: Professor Emeritus, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Atlanta Oral Pathology, Decatur, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muller
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors