Question 1

i have lichen planus & was told by endodontist to get to my rheumatologist sooner. have spondyloarthropathy. i was told theres a 15% chance of oral cancer. i saw all the white lines on inner checks and color on tongue and have pain. how serious?

Accepted Answer

: While "lichen planus" oral lesions can cause cellular dysplasia ("abnormal growth") and there may be a 1-5% risk of oral cancer (not "15%"), biopsy can substantiate the diagnosis, but see an ENT specialist for an exam and treatment.

Question 2

could mouth ulcers (lichen planus) result in oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: Lichen planus, an autoimmune disease, may lead to oral cancer in rare cases. If you notice a change in the pattern or your lesions, or worsening of symptoms, have it checked soon by an oral surgeon.

Question 3

what are the odds of getting mouth cancer due to oral lichen planus?

Accepted Answer

Low: The incidence of lichen planus turning into some type of oral skin cancer is very low according to my opinion.  I have never seen a case study where any cases have been reported.

Question 4

i have oral lichen planus.i read a lot about the cancer risk of that. rote, overall 1-2% and sometimes  0.2% for year.what is the real lifetime risk?

Accepted Answer

Numbers!: Numbers are numbers, so one has to talk with his primary care doctor or specialist to see what the numbers really mean. A 1-2% risk means... Well, it means 1-2% of the people will get it (one can think of that as a lifetime risk). That means if a person is one of the lucky 98%, he has nothing to worry about (but of course, one can't know for sure that he will be lucky).

Question 5

if the annual risk of cancer from oral lichen planus is about 0.2%, how the lifetime risk is just about 1%...after only 5 years the risk is already 1%?

Accepted Answer

Statistics: I suspect the numbers may go something like this: of all the lichen planus patients observed in any one year .2% of them are cancer and in a person who has lichen planus, 1% of them turn into cancer over a lifetime.
The bottom line is that if someone has oral lichen planus, it needs to be monitored by a doctor on a regular basis.  I would also avoid tobacco use and alcohol.

Question 6

history of chronic oral lichen planus & peptic ulcers from h pylori starting in 2011. can lichen planus be in stomach & am i at high risk for cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: Lichenpkanis is a nuisance illness that does not affect the type of epithelium in the stomach. Helicobactr, however, is both unpleasant and dangerous. Thankfully it's manageable. Best wishes.

Question 7

please let me know if there is a possibility if i have skin lichen planus i may have any cancer?

Accepted Answer

Everyone: Everyone should see a dermatologist for any suspicious lesions, (lichen planus or otherwise), and a full body screening for anyone with previous severe sunburns, family history of skin cancer or just for peace of mind if that is a concern of yours.

Question 8

dermatology: i went in to get a diagnosis of lichen planus - keratosis that was size of a nickel. never had this before. not itchy; skin toned. do i have cancer/melanoma? live in florida and no longer sun bath for 4 years now. dr. froze the spot?

Accepted Answer

: The doctor who examined you is in a much better position to assess your skin lesion, than is feasible in this forum. Talk to your doctor.
Wish you good health!

Question 9

which is the difference between oral lichen planus   and oral hairy leukoplakia of the tongue?

Accepted Answer

Huge difference!: Lichen planus is a submucosal inflammatory lesion usually found on the cheeks.  Sometimes ulcers can develop, but this represents little more than an irritating rash.  Oral hairy leukoplakia is an opportunistic infection by epstein barr virus.  This can be linked to steroid use, hiv, or any other condition causing a reduced immune response.

Question 10

how to keep oral lichen planus under control?

Accepted Answer

LP: Best thing to do is to consult your md and oral surgeon. Lp has no cure, will wax and wane and we treat the symptoms only.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Lichen planus and oral cancer

A member asked:

I have lichen planus & was told by endodontist to get to my rheumatologist sooner. have spondyloarthropathy. i was told theres a 15% chance of oral cancer. i saw all the white lines on inner checks and color on tongue and have pain. how serious?

A member asked:

Could mouth ulcers (lichen planus) result in oral cancer?

A member asked:

What are the odds of getting mouth cancer due to oral lichen planus?

A member asked:

I have oral lichen planus.i read a lot about the cancer risk of that. rote, overall 1-2% and sometimes 0.2% for year.what is the real lifetime risk?

A member asked:

If the annual risk of cancer from oral lichen planus is about 0.2%, how the lifetime risk is just about 1%...after only 5 years the risk is already 1%?

A member asked:

History of chronic oral lichen planus & peptic ulcers from h pylori starting in 2011. can lichen planus be in stomach & am i at high risk for cancer?

A member asked:

Please let me know if there is a possibility if i have skin lichen planus i may have any cancer?

A member asked:

Dermatology: i went in to get a diagnosis of lichen planus - keratosis that was size of a nickel. never had this before. not itchy; skin toned. do i have cancer/melanoma? live in florida and no longer sun bath for 4 years now. dr. froze the spot?

A member asked:

Which is the difference between oral lichen planus and oral hairy leukoplakia of the tongue?

A member asked:

How to keep oral lichen planus under control?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?