Near Patidar Bhavan, Rampura
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There are numerous etiological factors, responsible for various types of ulcers. At our dignostic centers in Surat, we not only diagnose but treat them to bring life of our patients back to routine as we understand that oral health is the foundation of overall health.
Our immunity fights against antigen (substances foreign to our body – virus, bacteria etc.). But when immune system of our body reacts against our own cells, it is called autoimmune condition. Lichen planus is one of the common autoimmune conditions. Usually it involves mouth, skin, vagina in females and scalp (hair).
Our immune system starts considering our epithelial cells as antigen (foreign substance) and initiates immune response against it. Hence the thickness of epithelium is decreased and one start feeling burning sensation while eating anything. Oral lichen planus (OLP) may involve any part of oral mucosa.
Causative factors for OLP are not fixed. They vary case to case. Most commonly seen etiological factors are common allergens, long term use of anti-diabetic drug, old silver restoration material, preservatives in food products, etc.
OLP doesnot transform into malignancy. With recent research, it has been proved that certain type of OLP do hamper routine functions of mouth severely and hence overall health however the possibility of transforming it into malignancy is absolutely ruled out.
For any oral lesion, biopsy help us to reach the final diagnosis. However we emphasize clinical examination in case of oral lichen planus. In case where response to medicines is not as good as expected, biopsy is obtained for histopathological and direct immunofluorescence test.
After clinical diagnosis, we identify triggering factors if any. Avoidance of these factors is the prerequisite of treatment. Various topical and systemic medicines are available and we choose it according to severity of the case and individual physique.
If triggering factors are not completely removed, OLP may recur. We as a clinician focus on ‘managing’ OLP first and then ‘treating’.
