Pathology · single question
A lesion shows civatte bodies on histology. What is the treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Clobetasol (topical corticosteroid)
- A. Incorrect. Surgical excision is not the standard treatment for lichen planus, which is a chronic immune-mediated condition requiring anti-inflammatory management.
- B. Incorrect. Acyclovir treats herpesvirus infections. Lichen planus is an immune-mediated, not viral, condition.
- C. Incorrect. Nystatin treats fungal infections (candidiasis). Civatte bodies are characteristic of lichen planus, not candidiasis.
- D. Correct. Civatte bodies (colloid/hyaline bodies) are apoptotic keratinocytes seen in LICHEN PLANUS histology — a hallmark finding. Treatment for symptomatic oral lichen planus uses topical corticosteroids, with clobetasol propionate (a high-potency topical steroid) being the first-line treatment.