Markers of Oral Lichen Planus Malignant Transformation

Dis Markers. 2018 Feb 26:2018:1959506. doi: 10.1155/2018/1959506. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology with significant impact on patients' quality of life. Malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is considered as one of the most serious complications of the disease; nevertheless, controversy still persists. Various factors seem to be involved in the progression of malignant transformation; however, the mechanism of this process is not fully understood yet. Molecular alterations detected in OLP samples might represent useful biomarkers for predicting and monitoring the malignant progression. In this review, we discuss various studies which highlight different molecules as ominous predictors of OLP malignant transformation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lichen Planus, Oral / complications
  • Lichen Planus, Oral / metabolism*
  • Lichen Planus, Oral / pathology
  • Mouth Neoplasms / etiology
  • Mouth Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor