Kinda Awad

Title : Oral lichen planus in children

Abstract:

Lichen Planus is a chronic, mucocutaneous disease that may affect the oral mucosa, skin, genital mucosa, nails, and scalp. It occurs more frequently in adults than in children, but paediatric cases have been reported in the literature. We present ten cases of Oral Lichen Planus diagnosed in children presenting to the Liverpool University Dental Hospital Oral Medicine department, in the UK. Our case series include 4 male and 6 female patients, ranging in age from 10 to 17 at diagnosis. 3 patients (30%) presented with asymptomatic disease.  In symptomatic cases, treatments included topical anaesthetic oral rinse (benzydamine hydrochloride 0.15%), topical steroid mouthwash (betamethasone soluble tablets 500ug), Clenil Modulite spray (Beclomethasone Diproprionate 50ug) and triamcinolone paste (0.1%). Most patients were diagnosed clinically with OLP without the need for biopsy, due to the presence of typical oral features. 6 patients did undergo a biopsy for confirmation and in one case, moderate dysplasia was confirmed, on a background of OLP. Oral Lichen Planus is an oral potentially malignant disorder with approximately 1% of patients developing oral cancer during follow up.  None of our paediatric patients with OLP have developed oral cancer during a mean follow up time of 2 years. However, ongoing clinical monitoring is required so that malignant change can be detected at the earliest possible stage when treatment is most successful.  This case series demonstrates that dysplastic changes may be seen in the paediatric population with oral lichen planus and that biopsy should be considered if there is clinical suspicion of dysplasia on examination. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of oral lichen planus in this paediatric cohort from the UK will be discussed. 

Audience Take Away:

• What is Oral Lichen Planus and what is its prevalence in children
• What signs and symptoms are associated with Oral Lichen Planus in children
• Is a biopsy necessary for diagnosing Oral Lichen Planus in children
• What treatment options are available for managing Oral Lichen Planus in children

Biography:

Kinda qualified from the University of Manchester and completed her foundation year in Manchester. She was part of the Manchester Dental Awareness Society at University which enabled her to raise public awareness about oral health. During the week she is working as a Dental Core Trainee at the University of Liverpool Dental Hospital, treating patients in the Restorative, Oral surgery, Oral Medicine and Paediatric Department. Kinda plans to continue working in a hospital setting, as she considers undertaking speciality training in the future.