How do you tell difference between Oral Lichen Planus and oral cancer?

Posted by metta @metta, 5 days ago

I've had OLP for a couple of years with one big flare up where I could hardly open my mouth. White patches everywhere. It's better, but there is constantly what looks like a white patch/sore on the inside of my right cheek that doesn't want to heal. I use Oragel mouth sore mouth wash and Triamcinolone Acetonide paste daily for treatment. How do I know if it's OLP or mouth cancer?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 4 days ago

Hi @metta, the only way you’ll know for sure if the chronically sore area in your mouth is OLP or if it is oral cancer is to have a biopsy taken and sent for analysis. The pathologist will be able to inspect the cells under a microscope to differentiate.
It’s always a concern when there is a lesion in the mouth that doesn’t heal. So it’s just better to have to looked at by your dentist or GP. They can refer you to an oral surgeon for the biopsy.

Have you been seen by your dentist recently?

Please sign in or register to post a reply.