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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: July 25, 2011
Malignant transformation of oral lichen planus
R Rajentheran1, N R McLean, C G Kelly
1The Medical School, University of Newcastle, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Aims:
To investigate the malignant potential of oral lichen planus (OLP), a common mucocutaneous disease of unknown aetiology. The malignant potential of OLP is still controversial, with studies reporting malignant transformation rates of between 0 and 5.6%. We also aimed to identify factors that might be associated with malignant transformation.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the records of 832 patients with histologically confirmed OLP treated at the Dental Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne during the period 1983-1996.
Results:
Of these 832 patients, a total of seven (0.8%) developed intra-oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), including three cases of carcinoma in situ. It was noted that OLP patients with SCC are more likely to be women, relatively young and have a low tobacco and alcohol intake. However, they had a good long-term prognosis.
Conclusions:
We conclude that the risk of malignant transformation in OLP is real but not high. Clinicians should have a higher index of suspicion of the possibility of malignancy developing in OLP, because such patients are different from typical patients who develop oral malignancy. Follow-up for at least 6 years is recommended.
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