What is a typical histological finding in a biopsy of lichen planus?

A typical histological finding in a biopsy of lichen planus includes the presence of colloid bodies, also known as "Civatte bodies," and a dense infiltrate of lymphocytes in the basal layers of the epidermis. Colloid bodies are degenerating keratinocytes that appear as eosinophilic (pink-staining) material within the epidermis and are a classic sign of lichen planus. The inflammation primarily affects the dermal-epidermal junction, contributing to the characteristic findings seen in this condition.

The presence of lymphocytes is a marker of the immune-mediated nature of lichen planus. These infiltrating lymphocytes lead to the characteristic band-like infiltrate at the dermal-epidermal junction observed in histological sections. This finding helps to distinguish lichen planus from other dermatological conditions.

Other histological features often associated with lichen planus can include liquefactive degeneration of the basal layer and sometimes a sawtooth appearance of the epidermis due to the dense lymphocytic infiltrate.

In contrast, giant cells typically indicate conditions like granulomatous diseases and would not be found in lichen planus. Neutrophils and keratinocytes are more characteristic of