Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammation that affects the oral cavity, specifically affecting the soft tissues. Let’s find out why it can be a very dangerous condition.
Oral lichen planus is still a little known disease
Oral lichen planus is a pathology of the skin, among the most common of those that may appear in the mouth.
To date, the percentage of the affected population is between 1 and 2%, with the prevalence of female patients.
He appeared in scientific literature as early as 1869 by Erasmus Wilson. Although studies have continued over the years, the etiological factors of the disease are still being analyzed, because they are still little known.
The attention of doctors is particularly focused on increasingly accurate diagnoses and in anticipating the potential evolution of oral lichen planus in a malignant oral cavity tumor.
The causes of the disease are not yet known, in some cases the pathology may be the direct consequence of pharmacological therapies based on:
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
- beta blockers;
- antimalarials.
The only certainty with respect to the etiological factor is that oral lichen planus is an autoimmune disease.
How oral lichen planus manifests
Lichen planus is a chronic inflammation that can affect the mucosa, tongue and gums. The symptoms are characterized by the presence, on the interested parts, of whitish streaks, white plates, bubbles and lesions.
Related clinical complaints are then associated with:
- dry mouth;
- mucosal pain;
- inflammation of the gums;
- hypersensitivity to thermal or mechanical stimuli.
The dentist bases the diagnosis on the set of an objective clinical examination and the results of a histopathological examination.
How to intervene on oral lichen planus
The symptomatic treatment, that is the treatment of the lesions, is based on the administration of a drug therapy based on corticosteroids. Lesions can occur at alternating stages, with periods of acute and others of stasis.
The disease must be constantly monitored because lichen planus can be the anticipation of the development of an oral carcinoma.
The scientific literature reports the percentage of possible malignant evolution of the pathology between 0.4% and 2%. Although these percentages are very low, it is essential to monitor this evolution. The clinical examination must be particularly accurate and the patient must immediately contact the dentist for any minor variation of the lesions, just to avoid the risk of precancerous stage.
The lesions present in the oral cavity must never be neglected and one must never fall into the error of an incorrect assessment, thinking that they will recover by themselves. Six-monthly checks by the dentist can prevent serious health complications.
