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Diagnosing Oral Lichen Planus (OLP)
I have not yet been officially diagnosed with OLP, but the Oral Surgeon I went to wants to do a tongue and cheek biopsy, based on the white "plaque" on the tongue and cheeks, and now burning of my tongue most of the time. I am wondering if others have been diagnosed without a biopsy. I am questioning the need for this procedure. Thanks for any responses.
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@sadea0208
I am experiencing some rashes and my regular doctor is thinking lichen planus. Your comment about mucus membranes intrigues me. When I was getting checked for celiac, I found out that my body does not make IgA. From my research, IgA is something your immune system produces to fight off infection in your mucous membranes (mouth, nose, gastro, repro systems). I also am dubious of the idea that your body spontaneously decides to attack itself.
Questions:
1. Has anyone else been found to be IgA deficient?
2. Anyone have any research or evidence that the lack of IgA might leave mucous membranes vulnerable to attack by - who knows what?
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1 Reaction@lkirnbauer
I have Oral lichen planus without biopsy. My dentist brought it to my attention about 2.5 yrs ago. In the beginning it was horrific. The dentist had me try all kinds of rinses and bolbetasol cream. I've read where some people have had it 30 or more years. Some have it and it clears up and never returns. I've been told it is indeed a autoimmune disease. I got on this blog is get ideas and suggestions from other suffers. It was suggested to use a toothpaste called Cleure. I ordered it and it is amazing. No burning like all the others I've tried. Also, when I reordered, I also bought a Cleure mouthwash. It's great as well. So stinging or burning of my gums and or inside of my cheeks. Read from another article, this person was taking Zinc. So I started taking Zinc as well. When I told my dentist I had started taking it, he said, well it is has healing effects. I truly feel, I will never be without this autoimmune disease, but I can say I'm much improved since the first diagnosis. Hope this helps
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2 ReactionsLa biopsie va encore entraîner des plaies. Je suis Française, et on ne m’a pas proposé de faire une biopsie. L’examen clinique de la bouche a été suffisant.
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@rbush54 yes, it is an autoimmune condition so I curable, but controllable. I find kids Sensodyne toothpaste works for me. No burning or stinging. When Inhave a flare I use Lyderm gel.
Most experienced dentists and oral surgeons deal with lichen planus in the mouth on a regular basis. If a patient has an atypical appearance or symptoms it can be more difficult to offer a certain diagnosis.
Dermatology specialists also treat and follow oral LP routinely along with their cutaneous LP. An observed typical lichen planus is a clinical diagnosis
not usually biopsied,just treated an observed.
A second opinion from a dermatologist may help in your situation.
They can work with your dental specialist if a biopsy is required.
Oral lichen planus can relapse and recur. If it is a long term problem it needs to be followed with regular exams as there is a small chance it can evolve into
cancer over the years. Be alert to changes in your skin, scalp and nails and it can show up in any mucous membranes