Current diagnostic criteria used for OLP lesions: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by the immune system. Its diagnosis requires clinicopathological correlation due to its clinical features being similar to other diseases. However, this diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of consensus on its classification, complicating the precise identification of the disease. Objective: To verify which clinical and/or histopathological criteria have been commonly used for the diagnosis of OLP. Methodology: This was an integrative literature review conducted through a bibliographic search in May 2024 in the SciElo, Lilacs, Cochrane, and PubMed databases. Articles published between January 2016 and May 2024 that clearly described the parameters for diagnosing OLP were included. Results: Initially, 515 records were identified. After initial selection and subsequent full reading, 66 articles were eligible for analysis and data extraction. The highest number of studies was published in 2017, followed by 2018 and 2020. Regarding study design, cross-sectional studies predominated, followed by clinical trials and case-control studies. The most used classification was the modified 2003 WHO classification (34 studies), followed by the 1978 WHO classification (11 studies). Additionally, three studies used only clinical criteria, eight only histopathological criteria, and nine combined both, but not following the most common classifications. Final Considerations: The analysis reveals the lack of standardized criteria for identifying OLP. This reflects the complexity of the precise diagnosis of the disease and the need for more uniform parameters.

Keywords: Oral Lichen Planus; Diagnosis; Classification.