History:

Oral lichen planus(OLP) affects approximately 1% to 4% of the population and is seen most commonly in older women.  Of the 3 basic clinical morphologies of the disease (reticular, erythematous, and erosive), the last form tends to be more symptomatic and prompts patients to seek treatment.  Malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is seen in 0.4% to 5% of patients with OLP, particularly those with erosive and erythematous disease.