Scanning electron microscopic study of surface epithelial cells in erosive and nonerosive oral lichen planus

Abstract

Aim: Aim of the study is to study the surface epithelial cells of erosive, nonerosive lichen planus by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and to correlate it with that of normal mucosa and oral leukoplakia. Materials and methods: Twenty biopsies of lichen planus and five biopsies of normal mucosa were taken. Half piece of each biopsy was processed for H&E stain and another half for SEM study. Result: Surface epithelial cells were showing different features. Conclusion: Definite different features were seen in lichen planus-leukoplakia group than in normal oral mucosa. These changes are due to abnormality in cell maturation and differentiation. Clinical significance: SEM study is helpful in early detection of dysplasia. It can lead to early treatment of the lesion and thus prevention of squamous cell carcinoma.