Oral lichen planus and malignant transformation: is a recall of patients justified?

Abstract

There has been a continuous debate regarding the possible malignant potential of oral lichen planus (OLP). Based on the results from follow-up studies, OLP is regarded by several authors as a pre-malignant condition, and patients with OLP have been recommended to have their lesions monitored two to four times annually. This recommendation needs reconsideration, because a recall system of all patients with OLP requires substantial economic resources. In a reality where such resources are limited, a recall system must be weighed against other benefits and the fact that the malignant potential of OLP is most likely very low. The present review focuses on the diagnostic criteria for OLP, the pre-malignant potential of OLP, and the extent to which the available information can be used to reduce morbidity and mortality of oral cancer related to OLP.