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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Lichen Planus | Research article

Malignant transformation of oral lichen planus: a retrospective study of 565 Japanese patients

Authors: Fumihiko Tsushima, Jinkyo Sakurai, Atsushi Uesugi, Yu Oikawa, Toshimitsu Ohsako, Yumi Mochizuki, Hideaki Hirai, Kou Kayamori, Hiroyuki Harada

Published in: BMC Oral Health | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosa disease that is recognized as an oral potentially malignant disorder. However, the potentially malignant nature of OLP remains unclear.

Methods

We designed this study to examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with OLP and evaluate the associated malignant transformation rate. A total of 565 patients with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of OLP who presented at our department between 2001 and 2017 were retrospectively studied. Patients who had clinical and histopathological features of oral lichenoid lesions (OLLs) classified as oral lichenoid contact lesions, oral lichenoid drug reactions and oral lichenoid lesions of graft-versus-host disease were excluded.

Results

The study population included 123 men and 442 women aged 21–93 years (mean ± standard deviation, 60.5 ± 11.8). The 565 patients were followed up for a duration of 55.9 ± 45.3 months, during which 4 (0.7%) patients developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In three of these 4 patients who developed SCC, the clinical type of OLP was the red type.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that OLP was associated with a low risk of malignant transformation. We recommend regular follow-up for OLP patients and clear differentiation of oral epithelial dysplasia and OLLs to enable early detection of malignant transformation. Further investigation of the clinical risk factors associated with malignant transformation is necessary.

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Title: Malignant transformation of oral lichen planus: a retrospective study of 565 Japanese patients
Authors: Fumihiko Tsushima
Jinkyo Sakurai
Atsushi Uesugi
Yu Oikawa
Toshimitsu Ohsako
Yumi Mochizuki
Hideaki Hirai
Kou Kayamori
Hiroyuki Harada
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Lichen Planus
Published in: BMC Oral Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6831
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-021-01652-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Malignant transformation of oral lichen planus: a retrospective study of 565 Japanese patients

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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