An oral lichen planus‐like lesion in Indian betel‐tobacco chewers

Abstract
During an epidemiologic study of oral cancer and precancerous lesions among Indian villagers, a lichen planus-like lesion was observed in Kerala, south India. The lesion consisted of white, wavy, parallel, non-elevated lines that could not be scraped off. The lesion occurred exclusively among chewers of areca (betel) nut and at the site of placement of quid. There were no subjective symptoms. The peak prevalence of the 35 diagnosed lesions was in the 35-44 yr age-group for males and 45-54 for females. There was a marked female predominance. The histologic features were very similar to those seen in oral lichen planus.

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