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Get StartedComplications
By Mayo Clinic staffBesides pain and taste changes that may accompany oral lichen planus, the condition also may cause or be associated with such complications as:
- Squamous cell carcinoma. This is a form of skin or mucous membrane cancer. There's considerable controversy about whether oral lichen planus can increase the risk of this cancer since evidence has been mixed. The risk appears to be heightened with ulcerative forms of oral lichen planus and with tobacco use.
- Oral thrush (Candida albicans). Oral lichen planus and its treatment may increase the risk of this fungus infection. In some cases, it can become resistant to antifungal medications, resulting in a so-called superinfection that's difficult to control.