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Oral Lichen Planus

Oral Lichen Planus - What it is

​Lichen planus is a chronic disorder which can affect the skin, genitalia and/or the oral tissues. It affects about 2% of the population, occuring more often in women than in men.

Lichen planus mostly occurs in adults above 50 years old. In about 50% of the cases, only the mouth is involved. This condition is called oral lichen planus.

Oral lichen planus is an allergy type disease that relates to our immune system. Although the exact caus or trigger is still not known, the disease has sometimes been associated with the use of certain medications, reactions to some types of dental filling materials, food substances or having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, liver disease and auto-immune disorders. Stress is also known to be linked to this condition.

 

How does oral lichen planus appear?

 In the mouth, it can appear in five different forms:

  • Lacy-white lines (reticular form)
  • White plaques (plaque form)
  • Red patches (atrophic form)
  • Ulcerations (erosive form)
  • Blisters (bullous form)

It can occur as a single form or in combination, usually a mixture of lacy-white lines, red patches and ulcerations. It can appear as isolated lesions affecting only one area or as a widespread disease, involving many areas of the mouth such as the gums, tongue, cheeks and even the throat.

 

Is oral lichen planus contagious?

No. Oral lichen planus is not an infection and therefore cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

 

Is oral lichen planus inherited?

There is little evidence to indicate that the disease runs in families.

 

Does oral lichen planus cause cancer?

Oral lichen planus itself is not a cancerous condition. However, it is important to have a biopsy done to confirm its diagnosis and to be periodically examined by the dental surgeon or physician. Additional biopsies may be necessary from time to time to check for any tissue changes as there is a 1% risk of cancer change.

 

How long will I have oral lichen planus?

The duration and severity of the disease is not predictable. Some patients have it for many years, while for others, the disease may disappear after several months and it may or may not recur.

Oral Lichen Planus - How to prevent?

Oral Lichen Planus - Causes and Risk Factors

Oral Lichen Planus - Diagnosis

Oral Lichen Planus - Preparing for surgery

Oral Lichen Planus - Post-surgery care

Oral Lichen Planus - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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