I suffered from erosive oral lichen planus (OLP) for about 7 years prior to my oral cancer diagnosis. I was told there is no cure for OLP - about all they can do is give you numbing mouthwash.

In my case, the initial spot was noticed by my dentist - I couldn't feel it. He sent me to an oral surgeron who performed a biopsy, and diagnosed it as OLP. Over time, the OLP became erosive and developed into open sores that would remain for weeks or even months at a time on the underside of my tongue.

For anyone not familiar, oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes bilateral white striations, papules, or plaques on the buccal mucosa, tongue, and gingivae. Erythema, erosions, and blisters may or may not be present (they were present in my case).

Although there is some controversy on this, many doctors belive that OLP makes a person several times more likely to get oral cancer. My doctor believed this, and and a result he had me get a biopsy every year. Every year, the biopsy diagnosis was OLP - no cancer present. Last year however, the biopsy was done and the diagnosis was cancer. The tumor was on the underside of my right lateral tongue area - the same location I'd been suffering from the OLP.

My medical oncologist is quite interested in my case and in studying a link between OLP and oral cancer. I'd be interested in hearing from any of you who have experienced OLP and oral cancer, especially any of you who believe there may have been a link between the two.

thanks....