Malignant transformation of lichen planus hypertrophicus into squamous cell carcinoma

• Published in: Indian journal of paediatric dermatology 2016-01, Vol.17 (1), p.18-20, Article 18
• Main Authors: Bhole, Aniket, Sudhanan, V, Mishra, D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carcinoma; Case studies; Complications and side effects; Development and progression; hypertrophicus; Lichen planus; Squamous cell carcinoma; youngest age
• ISSN: 2319-7250; 2319-7269
• DOI: 10.4103/2319-7250.173152

Neoplastic transformation of lichen planus (LP) is reported, but it's a rare event. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) complicating cutaneous LP has an incidence of 0.4%. Average age at the time of diagnosis of SCC in patients of LP is 58 years with a range of 29-78 years. We report an extremely rare case of 17-year-old female patient who developed SCC from lichen planus hypertrophicus (LPH), a variant of LP. Patient presented with LPH over the anterior aspect of both legs since the age of 7 years which is again a pediatric rarity. SCC developed over an anteromedial aspect of left ankle after 10 years when she came to us. Both the diagnoses were histopathologically confirmed. The patient was treated with complete excision of tumor and defect was closed with rotation flap. This report emphasizes that the long-standing hypertrophic form of LP seems to have a considerable propensity for malignant transformation, even in the juvenile age group. Hence, careful vigilance of a longstanding LPH is necessary to allow early detection of a developing SCC.