Clinicopathological analysis of oral mucous autoimmune disease: A 27-year study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to analyze the main clinical and histopathological features of autoimmune diseases with oral manifestations such as oral lichen planus (OLP); mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP); pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and erythema multiforme (EM). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of 5770 files from the Oral Pathology Laboratory of São José dos Campos Dental School, São Paulo State University (UNESP) comprising a 27-year period from 1974 to 2000. RESULTS The cases accounted for 64 (1.10%) of 5770 anatomopathological examinations performed over the study period. Among the autoimmune diseases diagnosed, 49 (76.56%) were OLP, 6 (9.37%) were MMP, 5 (7.82%) were EM and 4 (6.25%) were PV. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. CONCLUSION The initial manifestations of most autoimmune diseases occur in the oral mucosa, an earlier diagnosis and proper therapeutic protocol will delay the dissemination of the lesions, thus greatly contributing to a better prognosis and quality of life of the patient.