Oral lichen planus

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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

The exact cause of oral lichen planus isn't known. But mounting research evidence suggests that oral lichen planus is an autoimmune condition that arises when your body's immune system triggers a chronic inflammatory process in your mucous membranes. It's thought that this process affects certain skin cells, including some of those in your mouth.

DS00784

Aug. 15, 2008

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