Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia mimicking oral lichen planus: case report and literature review

This report presents the clinical, microscopic and immunohistochemical aspects of a case of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) mimicking oral lichen planus (OLP) in a 66-year-old woman. We also review the literature reporting cases of PVL mimicking OLP, where we found a higher prevalence in women who do not consume tobacco or alcohol. The initial manifestation of lichenoid areas was around the age of 59, with the diagnosis of PVL being established on average 6 years later, while malignant transformation occurred in 8 of the 22 cases at an average of 3.7 years after the final diagnosis of PVL. We emphasize the need for a close follow-up of any patient presenting white lesions of the oral mucosa. Lesions that are clinically and microscopically compatible with lichenoid reactions or OLP must be investigated and differentiated from PVL, which has a worse prognosis.