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Lichen sclerosis et atrophicus masquerading as tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 December 2008

O Ajayi ,
J C Stephens ,
S Karim  and
N Daly
O Ajayi
Affiliation:
ENT Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, UK
J C Stephens*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, UK
S Karim
Affiliation:
ENT Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, UK
N Daly
Affiliation:
ENT Department, West Middlesex University Hospital, Isleworth, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Miss J C Stephens, c/o Mr Daly, West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham, Isleworth TW7 6AF, UK. Fax: 0207 372 5116 E-mail: jstephens@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

We report a case of a 70-year-old man of Asian origin with lichen sclerosus et atrophicus affecting the tonsil, which presented as a painful, enlarging, exophytic lesion mimicking squamous cell carcinoma.

Method:

We present a case report and a review of the world literature regarding lichen sclerosus et atrophicus.

Results:

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, benign, inflammatory dermatosis of the skin and mucous membranes which mostly affects the female genitalia, presenting as white plaques with epidermal atrophy. The cause is unknown, although a number of aetiologies have been proposed. The prevalence is unknown. Women have been reported to be affected six to 10 times more than men, and the condition has no known racial preference.

Conclusion:

Our patient illustrates a rare case of the condition lichen sclerosus et atrophicus; to our knowledge, this case represents the first report of tonsillar involvement of the condition. The case presented a diagnostic challenge.

Keywords

Lichen SclerosisTonsilTonsil Neoplasms

Information

Type
Online Only Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 2 , February 2009 , e10
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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