Anogenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus lesions in a case series of cancer patients on immunotherapy

Lichen Sclerosus of the Labial Mucosa: A Case Report and Literature Review

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an uncommon, chronic, inflammatory mucocutaneous disorder found predominantly in females with unknown etiology. It presents as a white sclerotic plaque commonly located on the anogenital area. Extragenital LS is less prevalent, and LS affecting the oral mucosa is extremely rare, with only 39 biopsy-confirmed cases reported in the literature. Due to its several mimicking conditions, histological examination is usually required for a definitive diagnosis, particularly in patients with oral LS. Current evidence-based treatment recommendations for oral LS are unavailable; however, most cases tend to improve after treatment with topical or intralesional corticosteroids. We report a case of a 58-year-old female referred from the otolaryngology department for evaluating an asymptomatic whitish sclerotic plaque on the lower lip mucosa that had existed for 1 year. Following a punch biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with LS of labial mucosa. The condition improved after 2 months of treatment with topical and intralesional corticosteroids. The present case report raises awareness in recognizing oral LS and contributes to knowledge of this rare disorder.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced cutaneous toxicities: a review of histopathologic and clinical features

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent an emerging treatment option for a variety of cancer types. Through inhibition of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), and/or cytotoxic lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), ICIs activate the host's immune system causing a heightened anti-tumor response. However, off-target effects of ICIs can result in numerous different immune-related cutaneous adverse events (irCAEs). Beyond impacting quality of life, irCAEs can lead to dose limitations or discontinuation of anti-cancer therapies. Correct diagnosis is necessary for expedient and appropriate management. Skin biopsies are often performed to increase diagnostic accuracy and guide clinical management. An extensive literature review was performed using the PubMed database to identify the reported clinical and histopathologic features of irCAEs. This comprehensive review primarily details the histopathologic features of various irCAEs reported to date. Clinical presentation and immunopathogenesis are also discussed in relation to histopathology.

Lichen sclerosus: The 2023 update

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an underdiagnosed inflammatory mucocutaneous condition affecting the anogenital areas. Postmenopausal women are predominantly affected and, to a lesser extent, men, prepubertal children, and adolescents. The etiology of LS is still unknown. Hormonal status, frequent trauma and autoimmune diseases are well-known associations for LS, yet infections do not seem to be clear risk factors. LS pathogenesis involves factors such as a genetic predisposition and an immune-mediated Th1-specific IFNγ-induced phenotype. Furthermore, there is a distinct expression of tissue remodeling associated genes as well as microRNAs. Oxidative stress with lipid and DNA peroxidation provides an enabling microenvironment to autoimmunity and carcinogenesis. Circulating IgG autoantibodies against the extracellular matrix protein 1 and hemidesmosome may contribute to the progression of LS or simply represent an epiphenomenon. The typical clinical picture includes chronic whitish atrophic patches along with itching and soreness in the vulvar, perianal and penile regions. In addition to genital scarring, and sexual and urinary dysfunction, LS may also lead to squamous cell carcinoma. Disseminated extragenital LS and oral LS are also reported. The diagnosis is usually clinical; however, a skin biopsy should be performed in case of an unclear clinical picture, treatment failure or suspicion of a neoplasm. The gold-standard therapy is the long-term application of ultrapotent or potent topical corticosteroids and, alternatively, topical calcineurin inhibitors such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus. Collectively, LS is a common dermatological disease with a so far incompletely understood pathogenesis and only limited treatment options. To foster translational research in LS, we provide here an update on its clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and (emerging) treatment options.