Oral leukoplakia (white plaques) and oral lichen planus have the potential to transform into oral cancer.
This article as listed I recommend to read describes a series of nine patients with an initial clinical-microscopic diagnosis of lichen planus. During close follow-up, these patients developed localized areas of white plaques at intervals ranging from one and a half to six and a half years. Their management of these two conditions differs with leukoplakia (white plaques) requiring surgical intervention. Therefore accurate diagnosis by a specialist trained in oral pathology and oral medicine is imperative.
Nita Chainani-Wu, DMD, MS, PhD; Daniel M. Purnell, MPH; and Sol Silverman Jr., MA, DDS . Oral Leukoplakia Development in Patients With Pre-Existing Oral Lichen Planus, CDA Journal, Vol 43:35-39