Squamous cell carcinoma in hypertrophic lichen planus.

Neoplastic transformation (development of squamous cell carcinoma / verrucous carcinoma) in lichen planus has been described, especially in the oral form of the disease where an estimated 0.3-3% of patients may develop squamous cell carcinoma. Malignancy though uncommon with cutaneous lichen planus has been described in chronic hypertrophic lesions of lichen planus on the legs, including a case of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma developing in a 34-yearold male in chronic hypertrophic lesions of lichen planus on the legs of more than 10 years duration. six patients who completed the treatment schedule without any relapse during the follow-up. The compliance was also good, with only one patient being lost to follow-up, probably as a result of reduced toxicity and earlier response. This preliminary study shows that the combination of SSG and rifampicin for 120 days is effective and reasonably safe in the treatment of PKDL.