A “Oral Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Effectively Managed and Differentiated with Other Overlapping Diseases"

“Oral Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: challenge in analysis and management"

Abstract

Objective: Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an autoimmune disease among other connective tissue diseases like scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, and mixed connective tissue disease. It is perplexing to diagnose such cases as the manifestation of some diseases may be preceded by oral lesions.

Methods: We present a case of 35 year old male patient with Discoid Lupus erythematosus involving lower lip. We discuss the clinical, histopathological findings before the cutaneous lesions become apparent and some of the differential diagnosis which might overlap the disease.

Case description: Our patient reported to us with a wound & burning sensation in the lower lip. Lesion showed erosion surrounded by white striaes, which was confirmed by a histopathology examination. The patient was treated with topical application of Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%, and there was successful resolution of the lesion.

Conclusion: Thus the dentist is, in an important position to establish the diagnosis with the support of clinical expression, as many other similar lesions overlap with the clinical features. Having said that and keeping in mind the broad spectrum of red and white lesion, we present a clinically well diagnosed and successfully treated case of discoid lupus erythematosus.