Lichen planus

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

Lichen planus can be difficult to manage on the vulva and in the vagina, causing severe pain and sometimes leaving scars. Sexual dysfunction can become a long-term complication.

There is some evidence that lichen planus may increase your risk of a skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma, though the risk is small. Your doctor may recommend routine screening for evidence of cancerous cells in tissues affected by lichen planus.

Preparing for your appointment Risk factors
References
  1. Le Cleach L, et al. Lichen planus. New England Journal of Medicine. 2012;366:723.
  2. Sharma A, et al. Lichen planus: An update and review. Cutis. 2012;90:17.
  3. Usatine RP, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus. American Family Physician. 2011;84:53.
  4. Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013: 5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Dec. 28, 2012.
  5. Bradford J, et al. Management of vulvovaginal lichen planus: A new approach. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. 2013;17:28.
  6. Parashar P. Oral lichen planus. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2011;44:89.
  7. Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Dec.28, 2012.
  8. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 10, 2013.
DS00782 Feb. 22, 2013

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