Hi Carol,

I had oral lichen planus and eventually developed squamous cell carcinoma. As Brian has noted, there is no conclusive evidence that links the two.

There are different types of lichen planus, mine was the erosive type which is the most severe and presents with red uclerations of the epithelial layer in the mouth. It was often very sore, painful and uncomfortable.

Because I live in rural Vermont, it was hard to find anyone who knew much about treatment. (There's no cure but there are techniques for alleviating the discomfort.) Eventually, through the web, and with the participation of my periodontist, I found an oral pathologist in New York City who treats many oral lichen planus cases. He was helpful in reducing my discomfort and kept a careful eye on my mouth. I saw him every 6-8 months.

Under his supervision, I underwent three separate biopsies to test tissues he thought might be undergoing malignant transformation. And, while I developed oral cancer, it was caught relatively early, which I attribute to his watchfulness.

As part of my treatment, I underwent radiation treatment. It seems to have 'fried' the oral lichen planus and it hasn't been an issue since. Nonetheless, I certainly wouldn't recommend radiation treatment as a way of eliminating oral lichen planus!

I think I've read that some treatment centers will burn off areas of lichen planus with a laser. You might want to ask a specialist about that option.

Hope this is of some help. - Sheldon