Oral Lichen Planus — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: A — Oral lichen planus

The correct answer is oral lichen planus. Bilateral, lace-like white striae in a reticular distribution on the buccal mucosa are characteristic of reticular oral lichen planus and are commonly termed Wickham striae. Reticular disease is often asymptomatic. Leukoplakia more commonly forms a discrete white patch or plaque rather than a symmetrical lace-like network. Pseudomembranous candidiasis produces removable white plaques, while frictional keratosis is usually localised to a source of mechanical irritation. Oral lupus erythematosus may produce keratotic striae, but typically has a central erythematous or atrophic area rather than the classic bilateral reticular pattern described here.

Reference: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Lichen planus in the mouth, section 'What does it look like inside the mouth?'. Last reviewed June 2026. https://yourhealth.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/library/musculoskeletal-specialist-surgery-mss/maxillofacial/984-lichen-planus-in-the-mouth/file?Lichen+Planus+us+in+the+mouth=