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Is it dangerous

Posted , 12 users are following.

josephLP
josephLP

Hi guys,

I was recently diagnosed with oral lichen planus (lets use the abbreviation OLP). the doctor said he will do a biopsy after 3 weeks (cause I have exams and an interview (last year engineering)). To be honest I can't get it of my mind. the symptoms where mild for almost 2 years now they are getting worse (it wasn't until now that a doctor said it might be OLP). Now I have it on my gum and I read it may cause cancer. now I have cheek sores and a bit of gum sores. He said not to worry but I am stressed (I know it's ridiculous, I'm 25 I shouldn't be afraid). I am wondering if you know how it feels when it becomes cancerous and is there any means of avoiding it plus what do you advice me to do to reduce or alleviate the symptoms (the doctor gave a cream which seems to work momentarly).  

Thanks,

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • robert77967
    robert77967 josephLP

    Posted

    Just before Christmas I went in for a biopsy of 3 separate OLP's in my mouth, a huge painful one on the inside of my cheek, one at the back of my jaw and the last biopsy was on my lower gum which I've had since 2006 with no problems. I found using a Tee Tree Oil mouthwash helped a lot, also brush your teeth and rinse after eating, I found OLP doesn't like a clean mouth. I'll let you know how the biopsy went, I should be getting the results back any day now.

    Stay strong and positive,

    Robert

    • josephLP
      josephLP robert77967

      Posted

      Thanks Robert,

      I am waiting for your reply (please don't forget). I hope it won't be something serious.Mine is also on the lips which really stress me out. Frankly I can't help but think it's cancer.

      Thank you a lot for your reply waiting for your results,

      I will try to focus on my studies which since my diagnosis I couldn't do (and it's my last year).

      Thank for your encouragement,

      Joseph

       

  • Gabriella101
    Gabriella101 josephLP

    Posted

    Hi, please try not to convince yourself that you have cancer. I know it’s easier said then done though! I think you need to have the biopsy done ASAP for your own piece of mind. 

    I had a biopsy of the inside of my cheek done about 7 years ago. The result showed precancerous cells. I was told if I didn’t quit smoking (I smoked 20 a day for a long time) that there was a possibility it could develop into oral cancer. I got the fright of my life and quit. All the lichen planus resolved and the dental hospital signed me off. 

    I’ve had recurrences of it during very stressful periods of my life. I get it on my lips also the same as you. I’m prescribed Prednesol steroids which I swish around my mouth and rub on my lip then I spit it out. It really resolves the OLP quickly. Please try not to worry!

    • josephLP
      josephLP Gabriella101

      Posted

      Thanks Gabriella,

      I have an important interview on the 9 th and I don't want to risk it (attending with a swollen cheek). But I will try and ask for a biopsy on the 10 even thought I have exams on the 12 and 15.

      Thank you so much for your reply, I will take your advice regarding the Prednesol and try to ask for a prescription.

      Thanks once again,

      Joseph

    • josephLP
      josephLP

      Posted

      btw I don't smoke and I don't drink alcohol 

    • robert77967
      robert77967 josephLP

      Posted

      To get rid of the swelling I use those Pediatric Electrolyte Freezies I find they really work if you have one just before bed or if the swelling gets bad and painful.
    • christine12299
      christine12299 josephLP

      Posted

      Hi, I had a biopsy about 2 years ago and a couple of small stitches.  It confirmed OLP. I have regular check ups and tried various treatments but it’s a matter of finding one that works for you. The biopsy won’t cause you too much discomfort. Try not to worry’ I get sore gums & mouth from time to time. Try sensodine toothpaste? Others contain ingredients that will burn. I also visit the hygienist regularly. The leaflet I was given by the hospital states the chances of it turning cancerous if you have OLP is only 2% higher than those that don’t have it. If you are in the UK Lidl do a herbal toothpaste I find this doesn’t burn my mouth. Good luck

       

    • gill42353
      gill42353 josephLP

      Posted

      Hi Joseph,

      I was diagnosed with OLP last March. I think I am lucky that mine was not too severe, more annoying than anything else and of course a bit of a worry with the cancer risk but i had a biopsy and have been told that my dentist will monitor it.

      I recently joined a FB group called Turmeric Users Group run by vet Doug English and have started using his recipe for Golden Paste, it has really helped and I have virtually no symptoms now, also turmeric extract in tablet form from a company called Pureclinica has helped me (I'm using them both in conjunction). Try not to worry, good luck with your job interview and exams.

      Gill

  • sylvia85517
    sylvia85517 josephLP

    Posted

    Hi Joseph

    Just over a year ago I had similar symptoms to you. I was really stressed and thinking about my mouth constantly. It seemed to get worse and nothing I tried seemed to help.

    I had a biopsy on my gum and the diagnosis was OLP. It definitely seems that my symptoms increased with stress. The problem is that it is so hard not to worry.

    I have been trying very very hard not to stress about OLP and other things that I cannot control and I have found that my mouth is a lot better than it was this time last year

    Please try not to stress although with your exams, interviews and OLP it is not an easy.

    Best Wishes

    Sylvia

  • Las_Rosas
    Las_Rosas josephLP

    Posted

    Try not to worry as stress can bring it on even worse! I've had erosive OLP for over 20 years and having tried everything am now finding that gengigel mouth wash and gel & Aloe Vera toothpaste are keeping the inflammation down. Also do an Internet search for Turmeric paste as this is really good. Keep on top of your oral hygiene including electric toothbrush and interdental brushes, but take care not to over brush your gums! The biopsy is a fairly routine procedure often not even requiring stitches and I've never had any swelling, so I wouldn't put it off because of an interview, it can take up to 6 weeks for the results (UK NHS)  so bear this in mind. Good luck! 

  • mary_pooh
    mary_pooh josephLP

    Posted

    I had a tongue biopsy to confirm olp but the dental surgeon told me it doesn't turn into cancer he was very rude and dismissed me from the hospital because I refused the steroids that made me sick and made my tongue n lips swell up like crazy ! So now I go to a homeopath who gives me clever pills that work and have no side effects result ! I get my dentist to check for mouth cancer every 6 months to be safe . X

  • linda32054
    linda32054 josephLP

    Posted

    Hi Joseph,

    I've had OLP for 3 years now. I would just not worry about cancer. A very small percentage of OLP patients have oral cancer. You will feel much better after the biopsy. I Know I did. The only ointment that works for me is Clobetasol. The prescription systemic medications for OLP do work well, but all have terrible side effects. I will say one thing that might help you. Stress and anxiety are terrible for OLP. It seems to make it worse. Try not to stress even though you said you have exams and an interview. Hopefully when all that is over your OLP will quiet down.

    Good luck!

    Linda

  • josephLP
    josephLP

    Posted

    Guys I just wanted you to know that I went to the doctor today and he said that there is no need for a biopsy anymore since most of the lichen is gone (what a relief)!!

    He told me there s still a bit on my lips and advised me to continue using my creme.

    I am using Daktarin mixed with clobetasol propionate.

    He told me that I shouldn't stress and that I shouldn't panic otherwise it will flare up again.

    Thank you all for your support and advice.you re such a wonderful community.

    Btw I passed my exam (with flying colors) and I got my first job offer yey!!

    Respect and love.

    Joseph 

     

  • sylvia85517
    sylvia85517 josephLP

    Posted

    Hi Joseph,

    I am so pleased for you. It's good to hear a positive outcome.

    Good luck in your new job. 

    Best Wishes

    Sylvia

     

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