Are Lichen Planus & Lichenoid Lesions Precursors to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas?
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Dr. John O’Keefe spoke with Prof. Riitta Seppänen-Kaijansinkko, Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Helsinki, about her article on the high incidence of oral lichen planus and lichenoid lesions in oral squamos cell carcinoma patients. Prof. Seppänen-Kaijansinkko graduated from the University of Helsinki in 1986 as a dentist; and in 1996 as a doctor in medicine. She has practised as a specialist in the Oral and Maxillofacial Clinic and as is a university lecturer in the department of dental medicine. Prof. Seppänen-Kaijansinki has a doctorate in oral and maxillofacial surgery and a doctorate in biomaterials. We would like to hear from you and know your thoughts and questions about this topic. If you wish to reach us, it’s quite easy: email us at oasisdiscussions@cda-adc,ca or call our toll-free number 1-855-716-2747. Until next time! CDA Oasis Team |
Highlights
- Oral lichen planus (OLP) and lichenoid lesions (OLL) are regarded as precursor lesions of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) with potential for malignant transformation. This potential is not clear due to difficulties in diagnosis of OLP and OLL. Our aim was therefore to evaluate previously identified OLP and OLL as precursor lesions in OSCC and to identify cancer related etiological factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
- We retrospectively reviewed all cases (total 323, comprising 164 females and 159 males) with OSCC treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases and Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital during 2015. Confirmed by histopathological biopsy, 58 (17.9%) had OLP and 13 had OLL (4.0%) as precursor lesion.
- Patients with OLP were slightly older than those without it. OLP was more common in females than in males (p < .0001). TN class 1 tumors were more prevalent among patients with OLP or OLL (p = .006) and cancer relapses less common (p = .005). Smoking was less frequent in patients with OLP and OLL (p < .0001). Also alcohol abuse was less frequent among these patients (p < .001).
- Our findings confirm the importance of active follow-up of all patients with OLP and OLL even in patients who do not fit a traditional high-risk category for OSCC.
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