Despite having a prevalence of 0.2-5% in the world population, oral lichen planus is one of the most common mucosal diseases. Depending upon the variant, the condition can also turn cancerous. The word lichen planus has been derived from Greek as well as Latin. Lichen is taken from the Greek word Leichen, meaning tree moss, while planus is taken directly from Latin, meaning flat even surface.
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Lichen planus can be categorized into two, depending on the affected area, namely—Cutaneous (skin, scalp, nails) and Mucosal (lining of the gastrointestinal tract, larynx, lining surfaces of other areas such as genitals, nose, bladder, eyes, etc.).
In this article, we will be focusing on oral lichen planus (OLP), which comes under the mucosal category. We will also touch upon the oral lichen planus treatment in India.
An Overview of Oral Lichen Planus Treatment in India
India is taking over the world in terms of providing the best healthcare services at an affordable rate. The same applies to oral Lichen planus treatment in India. While the condition can only be suppressed, but it can drastically improve your quality of life.
Oral Lichen Planus
Oral Lichen Planus is an autoimmune disorder that affects the inner lining of your mouth. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that has no cure. The disorder occurs when the immune system mounts an attack against cells of the oral mucous membranes for reasons unknown.
The disease causes lesions on the inner tissues of the lips, gums, and inside the cheeks. A person may experience redness, swelling, and irritation in the mucous membrane inside the mouth. This leads to difficulty in eating or swallowing food.
The appearance resembles red and white lacy patches or open sores, causing a burning sensation and pain.
What Causes Of Oral Lichen Planus?
Like most immune-related disorders, the cause of oral lichen planus is unknown. It is believed that changes in the DNA trigger the onset of OLP. Such changes could be passed on to the next generation, hence triggering the disease. It’s been found that OLP is common among women above 40 years, though the reason is yet to be known. But, the disease can’t be passed on from one person to another.
Trigger Points
Certain things can trigger the disease, or aggravate the condition if you already have the disease, such as:
- Medicines: Certain medications such as Malaria medication, painkillers, diabetes drugs, or treatments for high BP
- Reaction: Reaction to any metal like, dental fillings, in your mouth can also trigger the condition
- Infection: People infected with Hepatitis C have a higher chance of getting OLP
- Food allergy
- Other mouth problems: Like injury in your mouth, cheek or tongue biting, lip biting, or having a rough crown
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Lichen Planus?
The symptoms may start as:
- A metallic, burning taste in your mouth
- Dryness
Then, the lesions may start appearing as:
- Red, swollen, tender patches of tissues
- Lacy, white, raised patches of tissues
- Open sores
And may appear on the:
- Inside the cheeks (most common location)
- Inner tissues of the lips
- Gums
- Palate
- Tongue (the least common location)
While the white patches may not cause any discomfort, symptoms coming with red patches or open sores may include:
- Painful, thickened patches on the tongue
- Burning sensation or pain
- Discomfort when speaking, chewing, or swallowing
- Sensitivity to hot, acidic, or spicy foods
- Bleeding and irritation with tooth brushing
- Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
The condition makes you sensitive to spicy, salty, and acidic food along with alcohol. Caffeine drinks or crispy treats may also cause problems.
Complications Of Oral Lichen Planus
The chances of developing cancer from OLP are less (0.03-1%), but not zero. Other complications may include:
- Weight loss
- Recurring pain
- Scarring due to erosive lesions
- Secondary oral yeast or fungal infections
- Stress or anxiety
- Depression
Diagnosis Of Oral Lichen Planus
Your doctor makes a diagnosis of oral lichen planus based on:
- Discussion of your medical and dental history and the medications you’re taking
- Review of symptoms, including lesions in your mouth and any other places on your body
- Examination of your mouth, and other areas as appropriate
He or she may also request lab tests, such as:
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from one or more lesions in your mouth and examined under a microscope to look for indications of oral lichen planus. Other, more specialized, microscopic tests may be needed to identify immune system proteins commonly associated with oral lichen planus.
- Cultures: A sample of cells is taken from your mouth using a cotton swab. The sample is examined under a microscope to determine whether you have a secondary fungal, bacterial, or viral infection.
- Blood tests: These may be done to identify conditions such as hepatitis C (as it has been diagnosed as a trigger), or lupus (looks similar to OLP).
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Treatment Options for Oral Lichen Planus
There is no cure for OLP, but one can opt for treatments to get relief from the symptoms. Doctors may prescribe you some medicines or ointments to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by oral lichen planus. They include:
- Corticosteroids: These are used to reduce the inflammation caused by the lesions. One can take them in the form of –
- Topical: This is the most preferred method. Here, ointment, gel, or mouthwash is applied directly to the mucous membrane
- Injection: Medicine is directly injected into the sore
- Oral: Corticosteroids are taken as a pill for a certain amount of time
- Immune response Medications: These medicines modify or suppress your immune system to improve more-severe lesions and lessen pain. They may be taken in the form of –
- Topical: Calcineurin inhibitors (similar to oral medication used to prevent rejection of transplanted organs), in the form of ointments or gels, are used for treating OLP.
- Systematic Medications: Medications in the form of pills are given if Oral Lichen Planus has spread to other parts of the body.
Cost of Oral Lichen Planus Treatment in India
India is a hub for top-notch affordable treatment all over the world. The world-class facilities along with highly-experienced English-speaking doctors make India the perfect destination for all treatments.
Although there is no cure for oral lichen planus, many treatments are available to relieve of the pain. The cost of oral lichen planus treatment in India ranges from $150 to $450, depending upon the type of treatment chosen.
Top Hospitals for Oral Lichen Planus Treatment in India
Gomedii has compiled a list of top hospitals offering oral lichen planus treatment in India. These hospitals are equipped with the best facilities, and house highly qualified doctors. They also have a dedicated dermatology department for treating advanced skin-related disorders.
- Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Jasola Vihar, Delhi
- Sri Ramchandra Medical Center, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Telengana
- Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Paschim Vihar, Delhi
- ORG Super Specialty Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana
- Jaypee Hospital, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh
- Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram, Haryana
Oral Lichen Planus Vs Leukoplakia: What’s The Difference?
Many patients tend get confused between oral lichen planus and leukoplakia. Both conditions affect the mucosa inside your mouth and can cause white discoloration on your inner cheeks, gums and sometimes tongue. But there are certain differences between the two:
| Oral Lichen Planus | Leukoplakia |
| Oral lichen planus results in white, lacy, thread-like lesions or bright red gum tissue. | Leukoplakia results in thick, white patches. Other symptoms include mouth sores and a white tongue. |
| The cause isn’t fully understood, but there may be a connection to autoimmune diseases. | This condition could be the result of heavy smoking, chewing tobacco or heavy alcohol use. |
| Less likely to turn into oral cancer. | More likely to turn into oral cancer. |
| Can be treated with medicines, no surgical interventions required. | Can be treated with medicines but may require surgical interventions as well. |
FAQs on Oral Lichen Treatment in India
Can oral lichen planus be cured?
No, oral lichen planus is not curable but, the symptoms can be suppressed with suitable medications.
Can Oral lichen planus become cancerous?
Yes. Although the chances are just 1%, but not zero. One should opt for timely treatment for oral lichen planus to make sure the lesions don’t become cancerous.
What vitamins help with oral lichen planus?
Vitamin D supplements have shown significant improvement in relieving ILP symptoms when combined with other treatments.
What are some new treatments for oral lichen planus?
Clinical trials have shown that Hydroxychloroquine soothes most of the symptoms associated with OLP. Scientists are also looking at Apremilast as a potential treatment.
Can oral lichen planus turn into cancer?
Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system starts attacking the oral mucous membranes for unknown reasons. And yes, oral lichen planus can turn into cancer hence, requires constant monitoring and proper treatment.
Choose GoMedii For The Best And Affordable Oral Lichen Planus Treatment Cost In India
If you want the best and most affordable oral lichen planus treatment cost in India, you are at the right place and time! Trust GoMedii, the best medical tourism company in India, with your treatment; we assure you of a top-notch, hassle-free process.
We have tie-ups with one of the most reputed hospitals to get you the best medical treatment in India at an affordable cost. Furthermore, to avail yourself of our packages, you can contact us on our website or at +91-9599004311. Additionally, you can also email us at connect@gomedii.com. Our team will respond to you on a priority basis.
Contact GoMedii to get your queries resolved by our team of medical experts. You can also reach out to us to apply for a medical visa.
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