TY - JOUR
T1 - Lichen Sclerosus
T2 - Review of the Literature and Current Recommendations for Management
AU - Pugliese, Jennifer M.
AU - Morey, Allen F.
AU - Peterson, Andrew C.
N1 - Copyright:
Copyright 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2007/12
Y1 - 2007/12
N2 - Purpose: We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical presentation, etiology, natural history, and medical and surgical management of lichen sclerosus in men. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of the literature in PubMed, MEDLINE® and other electronic databases between 1950 and 2006 using the key words lichen sclerosis, balanitis xerotica obliterans and urethral stricture. Our search resulted in 1,268 sources containing the words lichen sclerosus or balanitis xerotica obliterans. We reviewed 68 articles in the peer reviewed journals and 2 chapters on this subject. Results: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, lymphocyte mediated skin disease that was first described in 1887. It shows a predilection for the anogenital area in men and women. Much has been discovered regarding the epidemiology, natural history and histological features of this disease process during the last century, including the discovery of a strong association between lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma. The techniques of medical and surgical management of this disorder are still being elucidated. Biopsy of the initial lesion for definitive diagnosis and long-term followup of affected patients are well established, critical elements in the management of lichen sclerosus. Conclusions: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, debilitating condition that may progress to cause significant voiding complications. Biopsy is recommended in all patients suspected of having lichen sclerosus to rule out squamous cell carcinoma. Further research is needed to improve the prevention, understanding and treatment of this challenging condition.
AB - Purpose: We reviewed the literature regarding the clinical presentation, etiology, natural history, and medical and surgical management of lichen sclerosus in men. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive search of the literature in PubMed, MEDLINE® and other electronic databases between 1950 and 2006 using the key words lichen sclerosis, balanitis xerotica obliterans and urethral stricture. Our search resulted in 1,268 sources containing the words lichen sclerosus or balanitis xerotica obliterans. We reviewed 68 articles in the peer reviewed journals and 2 chapters on this subject. Results: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, lymphocyte mediated skin disease that was first described in 1887. It shows a predilection for the anogenital area in men and women. Much has been discovered regarding the epidemiology, natural history and histological features of this disease process during the last century, including the discovery of a strong association between lichen sclerosus and squamous cell carcinoma. The techniques of medical and surgical management of this disorder are still being elucidated. Biopsy of the initial lesion for definitive diagnosis and long-term followup of affected patients are well established, critical elements in the management of lichen sclerosus. Conclusions: Lichen sclerosus is a chronic, debilitating condition that may progress to cause significant voiding complications. Biopsy is recommended in all patients suspected of having lichen sclerosus to rule out squamous cell carcinoma. Further research is needed to improve the prevention, understanding and treatment of this challenging condition.
KW - balanitis xerotica obliterans
KW - lichen sclerosus et atrophicus
KW - urethral stricture
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U2 - 10.1016/j.juro.2007.08.024
DO - 10.1016/j.juro.2007.08.024
M3 - Review article
C2 - 17936829
AN - SCOPUS:35748951288
SN - 0022-5347
VL - 178
SP - 2268
EP - 2276
JO - Journal of Urology
JF - Journal of Urology
IS - 6
ER -