Lichen Planus Or Lichenoid Dysplasia : Is It Premalignant !

Is Oral Lichen planus (OLP) an inherently premalignant condition? The question about premalignant potential of OLP has been mired by controversy. OLP and other lichenoid dysplysia of oral mucosa occur commonly, and yet they are poorly understood. Furthermore, the role of Histochemical markers, Quantitative cytology and Morphometry as prognostic tools in evaluation of OLP has been proved beyond doubt. In the present study nuclear and cytoplasmic volume of basal cells, Spinous cell maximum diameter in OLP, normal mucosa and oral carcinoma are measured on Hematoxylin and Eosin stained sections using image analysis software. All the parameters were seen to be increased. Nuclear volume is almost three times that of normal mucosa in OLP and six times that of normal mucosa in oral sq cell carcinoma. Spinous cell maximum diameter has also increased from normal mucosa to OLP to oral sq cell carcinoma.Statistically significant differences were noted and the results obtained may have a value in predicting their behavior.