Oral Lichen Planus: An Update on Etiology, Pathogenesis and Management - A Review of Literature

Background: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease. Mucosal lesions are classified into six clinical forms and there is malignant potential for Oral Lichen Planus (OLP); therefore, follow -up should be considered. There are many unestablished etiological factors for OLP. A genetic predisposition linked to Th, cytokine polymorphisms may promote the T cell-mediated immunological response to an induced antigenic change that is supposed to lead to OLP lesions. Some putative etiologic factors, mainly amalgam restorations and hepatitis C virus have been studied in detail. The diagnosis of OLP can be made from the clinical features if they are sufficiently characteristic, but biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis, exclude dysplasia and malignancy and if active treatment is required. The aims of current OLP therapy are to eliminate mucosal erythema and ulceration, alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of oral cancer. The management of OLP is mainly aimed at controlling the symptoms and topical immunomodulators such as powerful corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors have been used. However their long-term effects needs to be better explained and understood