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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor or dermatologist makes a diagnosis of oral lichen planus or another disorder based on the information you provide about symptoms, a careful examination of the abnormalities in your mouth and, if necessary, the results of laboratory tests. These tests may include:
- Biopsy. Your doctor may take a small tissue sample from one or more lesions in your mouth. The tissue is examined under a microscope to identify a typical pattern of T lymphocytes consistent with a diagnosis of oral lichen planus. Other more specialized microscopic tests may be needed to identify profiles of immune system proteins commonly associated with the disorder.
- Hepatitis C test. A nurse or assistant may draw a small sample of blood for a lab test to determine if you have hepatitis C, a possible trigger for oral lichen planus.
- Allergy tests. Your doctor may refer you to an allergy specialist (allergist) or dermatologist for tests to identify agents to which you may be allergic and that may act as triggers for your condition.
References
- Lichen planus. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch116/ch116g.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
- Eisen D. The clinical manifestations and treatment of oral lichen planus. Dermatologic Clinics. 2003;21:79.
- Lehman JS, et al. Lichen planus. International Journal of Dermatology. 2009;48:682.
- Farhi D, et al. Pathophysiology, etiologic factors, and clinical management of oral lichen planus. Part I: Facts and controversies. Clinics in Dermatology. 2010;28:100.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2010.
- Psoriasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Psoriasis/default.asp. Accessed April 18, 2010.
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