Oral Lichen Planus: risk factors of malignant transformation and follow up. Ten years retrospective study

Francesca Zotti; Riccardo Nocini; Giorgia Capocasale; Dario Bertossi; Andrea Fior; Martina Peretti; Erminia Manfrin; Massimo Albanese

doi:10.4317/jced.57688

Oral Lichen Planus: risk factors of malignant transformation and follow up. Ten years retrospective study

J Clin Exp Dent. 2021 Jul 1;13(7):e630-e636. doi: 10.4317/jced.57688. eCollection 2021 Jul.

Authors

Francesca Zotti¹, Riccardo Nocini², Giorgia Capocasale³, Dario Bertossi⁴, Andrea Fior⁵, Martina Peretti⁶, Erminia Manfrin⁷, Massimo Albanese⁴

Affiliations

¹ Researcher, DDS, PhD, Department of Surgical Sciences, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona. Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Piazzale L. Scuro n.10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
² Resident, MD, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani, n.1, 37126, Verona, Italy.
³ Resident, DDS, PhD, Department of Surgical Sciences, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona. Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Piazzale L. Scuro n.10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
⁴ Associate professor, MD, MS, Department of Surgical Sciences, Paediatrics and Gynaecology, University of Verona. Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Piazzale L. Scuro n.10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
⁵ MD, MS, Unit of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Verona, Italy.
⁶ Dental Hygienist, Private Practice, Verona, Italy.
⁷ Researcher, MD, MS, Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Policlinico G. B. Rossi, Piazzale L. Scuro n.10, 37134, Verona, Italy.

Abstract

Background: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is an inflammatory chronic disease. Modified World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria (2003) suggest diagnosing OLP both clinically and histologically. Furthermore, it is known the potential of malignant transformation of OLP, especially those affecting mucosa. Aims of this retrospective study on 100 patients were i) to estimate the timing of transformation of OLP lesions in OSCC in a cohort of patients observed between 2008 and 2018; ii) to assess risk factors of OLP patients diagnosed with OSCC; iii) to analyse forms of OLP evolved in cancer.

Material and methods: A database of 100 patients diagnosed with OLP was evaluated and clinical, histological features of lesions, habits of patients and systemic diseases were analysed in a follow up ranged between 5 and 10 years.

Results: Mean time of malignant transformation was 31,62± 18,26 months; however, 4 malignant transformations out of 8 occurred about after 4 years of observation. Furthermore, Odds ratios for risk factors showed an association between malignant transformation and location.

Conclusions: More focused attention on follow-up scheduling and designing could be a valuable resource in early diagnosis and cancer prevention in OLP patients. Key words:Oral Lichen Planus, Oral Cancer, Malignant transformation, risk factors.