I was just diagnosed about two months ago with Oral Lichen Planus. When my oral surgeon first looked at the spot I have, it had a lacy pattern to it. Now it is a solid spot and is sore. Also this spot is on the underside of my tongue in the back. I am a former smoker, and have read that the chances of this turning to cancer are higher because of being a smoker. I know stress has a huge part in me having this condition also.
As of right now, the spot on the back of my tongue is sore, but not open, just tender to the touch. I have a patch of lichen Planus on the inside of my cheek and inside my bottom lip. My throat also hurts. Just looking for help about the course of action I should take. This is all new to me. I had my wisdom teeth out last month and the dentist didn't feel a biopsy was necessary at the time. Please help. I am worried about this turning into cancer eventually. Trying to keep that from happening.

I know you are scared but try not to fret. Worrying wont help your situation at all. Please try your best to think positive and keep busy so you arent stressing yourself out about "what if". I would advise going to an ENT who treats oral cancer patients and ask for your spot to get biopsied. This will determine for sure what is going on and if there is any reason why the sore has changed.

Yes - you need to hit up an ENT ASAP the painful spot on your tongue needs to be biopsied. My area was simply chronically inflamed forever,and painful. My tumor was actually under the surface. It took two biopsied and a dx of lichen planus, before I was actually diagnosed. Make sure your ENT is very knowledgeable in oral cancer care. hugs

Dion K, do you have an update? I hope all is well. I am new to this site and have had the same diagnosis Lichen planus, along with leukoplakia. It is confusing to say the least and I worry that I went to a very inexperienced Oral surgeon. I have an appointment today for the same guy after two years follow up. 4 years ago I had a biopsy of several different sites. Followed up when I was worried about the pain i felt upon eating. Was told I was too young to have anything serious. Therein, I should have gotten a second opinion. two years later now, I am about to go in again because the lichenplanus and or leukoplakia has come back back a spread significantly and is now more painful than before. Incredibly worried at this juncture, but trying to keep good thoughts. I am a former smoker and I do have high risk HPV.

Hope all works out for you. My wife has something similar, she gets a biopsy next week. I am still fighting cancer from my tongue replacement surgery in June 2013.