Overview
Oral lichen planus is an ongoing (chronic) inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes inside the mouth. It may appear as white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissues; or open sores. These lesions can cause burning, pain, or other discomfort. Oral lichen planus occurs when the immune system attacks cells of the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons. It is not contagious, and symptoms can usually be managed, but people with oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, genitals, ears, scalp, nails, eyes, and esophagus.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
Symptoms of oral lichen planus include white, lacy patches; red, swollen tissues; or open sores in the mouth. These lesions may cause burning, pain, or other discomfort. Additional symptoms may include a burning sensation or pain, sensitivity to hot, acidic, or spicy foods, bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing, painful, thickened patches on the tongue, and discomfort when speaking, chewing, or swallowing. Oral lichen planus can also lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and other complications, such as significant pain, weight loss or nutritional deficiency, stress or anxiety, depression, scarring from erosive lesions, secondary oral yeast or fungal infections, and oral cancer. It's important for individuals with oral lichen planus to receive regular monitoring.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing oral lichen planus include having a disorder that lowers your immunity or taking certain medications, though more research is needed. Additionally, middle-aged women are more likely to develop oral lichen planus. Stress may also contribute to symptoms becoming worse or recurring.
Development
Oral lichen planus develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks cells in the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons. It is not contagious and may occur due to a combination of genetic factors and triggers such as medications, mouth injury, infections, or allergies. The exact cause of oral lichen planus is still being researched, but it is believed to involve the activation of certain white blood cells called T lymphocytes. Symptoms can include white, lacy patches, red, swollen, tender patches, and open sores in the mouth, which may cause pain, burning, sensitivity, and discomfort. People with oral lichen planus require regular monitoring as they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you suspect oral lichen planus, you should see a doctor or dentist if you have any signs or symptoms listed above. These signs and symptoms affect the mucous membranes of the mouth, such as white, lacy patches, red, swollen, tender patches, or open sores. Additionally, if you experience pain, discomfort, sensitivity to hot or acidic foods, or difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
To diagnose oral lichen planus, a doctor will consider several factors, including:
- Medical and dental history
- Review of symptoms, including lesions in the mouth and any other body areas
- Examination of the mouth and other appropriate areas
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from one or more lesions in the mouth and examined under a microscope
- Cultures: A sample of cells is taken from the mouth using a cotton swab and examined under a microscope
- Blood tests: These may be done to identify conditions such as hepatitis C, which may rarely be associated with oral lichen planus, and lupus, which may look similar to oral lichen planus The doctor will then use this information to determine if oral lichen planus is the cause of the symptoms.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of oral lichen planus include significant pain, weight loss or nutritional deficiency, stress or anxiety, depression, scarring from erosive lesions, secondary oral yeast or fungal infections, and oral cancer.
Treatment
The document discusses oral lichen planus, an ongoing inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes inside the mouth. The lesions may appear as white, lacy patches, red, swollen tissues, or open sores. The exact cause of oral lichen planus is not known, but it is believed to involve an immune disorder and genetic factors. As for treatments, the document mentions that symptoms can usually be managed, but people with oral lichen planus need regular monitoring because they may be at risk of developing mouth cancer in the affected areas. The document also lists several complications associated with severe cases of oral lichen planus, including pain, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and oral cancer. Regarding specific treatments for oral lichen planus, the document does not provide detailed information on that. It is recommended to consult a doctor or dentist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for oral lichen planus, you should:
- Gather any previous consultations and test results related to the issue.
- Inquire about any pre-appointment preparations, such as dietary restrictions.
- Make a list of symptoms and personal information, including major stresses or recent life changes.
- Create a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs, or supplements you're taking and their dosages.
- Prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor or dentist, such as "What is likely causing my symptoms or condition?" or "What treatments are available for oral lichen planus?" By doing so, you'll be better prepared to discuss your symptoms and receive the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan for your oral lichen planus.