Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Two Cases of Nail Lichen Planus: Is There a Real Association?

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin and oral mucosa. Although its etiology is unknown, its potential for cancerization has been confirmed. We herein report the cases of a brother and sister, both with a 15-year history of nail lichen planus of the fingers and toes, who developed squamous cell carcinomas of the nail bed and matrix. This article shows the potential for malignant transformation in lichen planus disease and highlights the importance of periodic clinical follow-up.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising in Ungual Lichen Planus: Report and Review

“…Ungual LP is characterized by chronicity and tendency toward nail apparatus destruction. SCC appearing in lesions of ungual LP is very rarely described [3, 4]. The characteristics of the 3 previously published cases, as well as a newly described case (Fig.…”

“…Most publications on this topic come from the dental literature and study oral mucosal LP, on which SCC indeed at times issues [1]. Reports on SCC arising in cutaneous or ungual LP are scarce [2-4].…”