Malignant transformation of oral lichen planus by a chronic inflammatory process. Use of topical corticosteroids to prevent this progression?
BACKGROUND
Oral lichen planus is a potentially malignant disorder with a capacity, although low, for malignant transformation. Of all the factors related to the process of malignant transformation, it is believed that the chronic inflammatory process plays a key role in the development of oral cancer. This inflammatory process is capable of providing a microenvironment based on different inflammatory cells and molecules that affect cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation.


OBJECTIVE
The objectives of our study are: to review the available evidence about the possible relationship between the chronic inflammatory process present in oral lichen planus and its malignant transformation, to discuss the potential therapeutic implications derived from this relationship and to study the role that topical corticosteroids play in the control of oral lichen planus inflammation and its possible progression to malignant transformation.


CONCLUSIONS
The maintenance of a minimum dose of topical corticosteroids could prevent the inflammatory progression of oral lichen planus to oral cancer.
Department of Stomatology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela , Spain.
Eva Maria
EM
Otero-Rey
Fatima
F
Suarez-Alen
Manuel
M
Peñamaria-Mallon
Jose
J
Lopez-Lopez
Andres
A
Blanco-Carrion
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D059016:Tumor Microenvironment / Q000187:drug effects
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents
cancer-associated inflammation; inflammation; oral lichen planus; oral squamous cell carcinoma; triamcinolone acetonide