Oral Cancer Risk in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Narrative Review

Al Darraji Raad Kareem Alwan; Tashpulatova Fatima; Fattakhov Ravshan Abdurashidovich; Khamidova Dilbar Avdunovna; Khatypova Marvara Garifovna; Khadjimetov Abdurasul Abdugafurovich; Adilov Kozim Zakirovich; Pulatov Oybek Abdumutalovich; Muslimov Orifjon Karimberdiyevich; Buzrukzoda  Javokhirkhon Davron; Turaeva Nargiza Karimovna; Narova Nargiza Elbekovna; Sayfiddinov Fayzullo Azamjon o‘g‘li; Karimova Muyassar

doi:10.31557/APJCB.2026.11.4.1191

Authors

Al Darraji Raad Kareem Alwan Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, University of Manara, Iraq.
Tashpulatova Fatima Doctor of Medical Sciences, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Fattakhov Ravshan Abdurashidovich DSc, Associate Professor of the Alfraganus University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Khamidova Dilbar Avdunovna PhD, Associate Professor of the Postgraduate Medical Education Faculty, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Khatypova Marvara Garifovna PhD, Associate Professor of the Postgraduate Medical Education Faculty, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Khadjimetov Abdurasul Abdugafurovich DSc, Associate Professor of the Postgraduate Medical Education Faculty, Tashkent State medical university, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Adilov Kozim Zakirovich PhD, Faculty Therapeutic Dentistry Department, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Pulatov Oybek Abdumutalovich PhD, Postgraduate Medical Education Faculty, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Muslimov Orifjon Karimberdiyevich PhD, Postgraduate Medical Education Faculty, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Buzrukzoda Javokhirkhon Davron PhD, Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Turaeva Nargiza Karimovna Propaedeutics of Children’s Diseases Department of Bukhara State Medical Institute, Bukhara, Uzbekistan.
Narova Nargiza Elbekovna PhD, Associate Professor of the Alfraganus University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Sayfiddinov Fayzullo Azamjon o‘g‘li Assistant of the Department of Ophthalmology, Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Karimova Muyassar Republic Specialized Scientific Practice Medical Eye Microsurgery Centre, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCB.2026.11.4.1191

Keywords:

Keywords: Oral lichen planus, oral cancer, risk, oral mucosa, inflammatory disease.

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the oral mucosa and is widely regarded as an oral potentially malignant disorder. Although the association between OLP and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been investigated in numerous studies, the magnitude of malignant transformation risk remains variable and is influenced by diagnostic criteria, follow-up duration, lesion subtype, epithelial dysplasia, tobacco and alcohol exposure, and geographic differences. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the relationship between OLP and oral cancer risk using a structured descriptive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Relevant English-language studies addressing OLP, malignant transformation, and OSCC risk were reviewed and synthesized descriptively. The available evidence suggests that patients with OLP may have an increased risk of developing OSCC compared with the general population; however, reported transformation rates differ considerably among studies. Erosive or atrophic lesions, persistent ulceration, tongue involvement, epithelial dysplasia, and conventional carcinogenic exposures may further increase clinical concern. In addition to early diagnosis, long-term surveillance and biopsy of suspicious or non healing lesions are essential. Treatment should aim to control chronic inflammation while avoiding delayed recognition of dysplastic or malignant changes, particularly in patients receiving prolonged immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy. Overall, OLP requires careful clinical monitoring because its malignant potential is context-dependent rather than uniform. Further well-designed studies with standardized diagnostic criteria and long-term follow-up are needed to clarify the biological mechanisms linking OLP to oral carcinogenesis and to improve risk stratification and prevention strategies.