A 53 years old female patient reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with a chief complaint of red and white patch and burning sensation on right side of tongue since 2 months. It was diagnosed as Erosive Lichen Planus and differential diagnosis of Chronic Non-healing Ulcer was given and the final diagnosis came out to be Carcinoma In-Situ as per histopathological analysis.
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a term used in pathology to describe a pre-cancerous or early stage of cancer where abnormal cells are found only in the layer of cells where they first developed and have not yet invaded nearby tissues. It is a stage of cancer development before invasive cancer, and when detected and treated at this stage, it often has an excellent prognosis. Also known as Intraepithelial Carcinoma.
Clinical appearance is similar to leukoplakia, erythroplakia and a combination of leukoplakia and erythroplakia, an ulcerated lesion, a white and ulcerated lesion in, and a red and ulcerated lesion. Reported to occur on all intraoral site but more commonly on floor of mouth (23%), tongue (22%) and lips (20%). Male to female predilection is seen (1.8:1). Elderly patient predilection is also seen.
Excisional Biopsy is done followed by histopathological examination and strict follow-up of the patient.