Welcome to OCF! Im very sorry to read about what you have been thru. Im sure you must be shocked.

From what I know of lichen planus, it can turn into cancer but the odds are low. We do have members who have had lichen planus. Off the top of my head I cant remember anyone recently had it turn into cancer. Even if we had 10 patients with almost the same medical history as you, its still not a equal comparrison. Everyone is different and will react to medications, procedures, medications in their own unique way. Regardless of what caused this, the next steps should be the same for all patients.

Im very happy to read you are being treated at a CCC. Thats the very best place for someone who may have a complex diagnosis. A CCC uses a team based approach so all doctors are on the same page. Thats called a tumor board meeting, as the patient you are able to attend as well. If you attend make sure to take someone along with you for an extra set of ears and to take notes. Too often these types of meetings cause the patients ears to temporarily stop working after they hear something that sounds like bad news or scares them.

One thing to remember is worrying has never helped anyone, all it does is get them upset. For some patients they become paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Do your very best to stay super busy to keep your mind from dwelling on your situation. Start a hobby, read a book, watch a movie that holds your attention, shovel snow (if you're in the NE), etc are all great ways to help pass the time and help you to avoid worrying. There is nothing about this situation right now that you can change. If you can focus on things that you are capable of controlling that also will be a big help in adjusting to your diagnosis. I understand completely what you are going thru, Ive been there myself (3 times). I know how hard it is and how our minds play tricks on us. That little voice inside your head gradually moves from the shock of hearing "you have cancer" to fast forwarding to contemplating your mortality. Do yourself a huge favor and find something positive to do when you find yourself "going there".

Theres a million and one more little tidbits I can give you. Im sure you are a bit overwhelmed right now. Take it step by step and day by day. You found OCF which is the very best online resource for anything to do with oral cancer. Were here to help, you can lean on us to get your thru this. We will do our very best to give you info and support so you can get you thru whatever your future holds with this horrible disease.

Hang in there!!!