Lichen planus in the oesophagus: are we missing something?

Squamous cell carcinoma still accounts for 30–40% of oesophageal cancer cases in the west and is almost exclusively the disease still encountered elsewhere. Lichen planus of the oesophagus is potentially a premalignant condition for squamous cell carcinoma that could be surveilled in order to detect early-stage tumours with a consequent greater chance of cure. Oesophageal lichen planus is, however, rare, frequently asymptomatic and although the majority of cases occur in conjunction with lichen planus in other sites, the oesophageal features may be subtle and easily missed by endoscopic assessment. Furthermore, the histological changes are difficult to interpret and there may be significant underreporting. As a consequence, the true prevalence of these lesions is hard to determine. The difficulties in detection may mean that we are underestimating the frequency of oesophageal lichen planus. Endoscopic detection may be aided by the use of magnification indigo carmine chromoendoscopy and this warrants further evaluation. The risk of malignant transformation is currently unknown but may parallel that of oral lesions at approximately 1–3%. An increased awareness of the condition can only help to identify more cases and increase our understanding of this interesting condition.