Oral Lichen Planus Questions & Answers

Updated: Sep 15, 2020
  • Author: Jaisri R Thoppay, DDS, MBA, MS; Chief Editor: Jeff Burgess, DDS, MSD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is oral lichen planus (OLP) and what is its presentation?

What is the pathophysiology of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the cause of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are the triggers for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of Candida albicans infection in the etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of betel quid in the etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of graft vs host disease in the etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of genetics in the etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP) pathogenesis?

What is the role of stress and anxiety in the etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of diabetes mellitus in the etiology of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the prevalence of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are the racial predilections of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How does the prevalence of oral lichen planus (OLP) vary by sex?

Which age groups are at highest risk for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How long does it take for oral lichen planus (OLP) to resolve?

What is the treatment for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What should patients be told about the prognosis of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What should be included in long-term follow-up for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the prognosis of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How information about oral lichen planus (OLP) should patients be given?

Presentation

What is the focus of clinical history for suspected oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which patients are at an increased risk for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How is the onset of oral lichen planus (OLP) characterized?

What are the signs and symptoms of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are potential triggers for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the prevalence of coincident skin lesions in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the prevalence of genital involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How common is scalp involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How common is nail involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the possible otolaryngological involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which condition should be included in the differential diagnoses of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Where are the physical findings of oral lichen planus (OLP) most evident?

Which physical findings are characteristic of in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How are the oral mucosal lesions of lichen planus characterized?

How are the gingival lesions of lichen planus characterized?

What is the appearance of oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions in patients predisposed to pigmentation?

Which physical exam findings of oral lichen planus (OLP) suggest exacerbation?

How are lichenoid drug reactions differentiated from idiopathic oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How are skin lesions characterized in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the prevalence of genital lesions in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are the physical findings of nail involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are the physical findings of scalp involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

How common is otolaryngological involvement in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are possible complications in oral lichen planus (OLP)?

DDX

Which conditions should also be included in the differential diagnoses for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Oral Lichen Planus?

Workup

What is the role of lab studies in the diagnosis of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which tests are performed in the evaluation of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of biopsy in the evaluation of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of histology in the diagnosis of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which histological findings are characteristic of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the role of electron microscopy in the diagnosis of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Treatment

What are the treatment goals for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which treatment for oral lichen planus (OLP) is curative?

What are the treatment options for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which specialist consultations are needed for the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which dietary restrictions are beneficial in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which lifestyle changes are beneficial in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What is the increased risk of oral cancer in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and how can the risk be mitigated?

What is included in long-term monitoring of patients with oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Medications

What is the mainstay of medical treatment for oral lichen planus (OLP)?

What are the treatment options for recalcitrant oral lichen planus (OLP)?

Which medications in the drug class Immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of Oral Lichen Planus?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Oral Lichen Planus?