CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MALE GENITAL LICHEN SCLEROSIS

Background. Lichen sclerosis (LS) is a chronic usually underdiagnosed dermatosis with a malignant potential. Aim. To determine clinical and morphological characteristics of early and advanced male LS, to assess its malignant potential. Material and methods. Penile surgical specimens (n=61) with morphologically diagnosed LS were examined histologically and statistically. Two groups of patients were identified: early LS, advanced LS. Results. For the first time for LS such morphological characteristics as saw-tooth acanthosis, multiple cytoid bodies and satellite cell necrosis specifically attributed to lichen planus were described. The tendency of hydropic dystrophy to increase with the progression of the LS element was established. Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) in association with LS was detected in 6.8% (n=4). Conclusions. The presence of saw-tooth epidermal changes, multiple cytoid bodies and satellite cell necrosis does not exclude the diagnosis of LS. According to the results of our study, the neoplastic transformation of male genital LS infrequently occurs. A reliable evaluation of LS malignant potential requires further study.