Oral Lichen Planus: A Case Report and an Update on the Role of Mast Cells in its Pathogenesis

Lichen planus (LP) is a common chronic mucocutaneous disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It affects about 0.1-4% of the general population. Here, we present a case report of a 36-year-old female patient who presented with burning sensation and a white lesion bilaterally on the buccal mucosa along with a mixed red and white lesion on the tongue. The histopathological features were suggestive of oral LP (OLP). In this article, we try to evaluate the histopathological features of OLP and stress the eminence of mast cells (MCs) in the occurrence of OLP. We also try to review the literature behind the role of MCs, their significance and their effects on the histological picture of LP.