Cytologic and DNA-cytometric examination of oral lesions in lichen planus.

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of exfoliative cytology (EC) and DNA image cytometry applied to oral lesions of lichen planus (LP; n = 56), in order to detect or exclude malignant transformation.

METHODS

Brush and excisional biopsies were obtained from 56 patients. In cases of oral LP in which brush biopsies were suspicious for tumor cells, nuclear DNA contents were measured, using a TV Image Analysis System.

RESULTS

In 50 patients EC yielded tumor cell-negative, doubtful in four cases and suspicious results obtained in two cases. DNA image cytometry revealed DNA-aneuploidy only in the two suspicious cases. The comparison between cytologic/DNA-cytometric diagnosis and biopsy histology resulted in a total agreement (LP without dysplasia: 54 and squamous cell carcinoma in LP: two cases).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, cytology with DNA-cytometry is a highly sensitive, specific, and non-invasive method, which can be used for periodical follow up of oral LP lesions in order to early detect or exclude malignancy.