Treatment of Plaque-Like Oral Lichen Planus with CO2 Laser.

BACKGROUND

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which annoys the patients for several years. It presents with various clinical forms. Although plaque-like form of OLP is usually asymptomatic, it could transform to a malignant lesion. Therefore, treatment considerations are essential to reduce the development of oral cancer. Laser therapy is a newer modality for treatment of plaque-like lesions.

AIMS

This study aimed to perform laser therapy for plaque-like lesions of OLP.

METHODS

We described some plaque-like OLP lesions evaporated with CO2 laser. The power of 4-7 watt as continuous wave (CW) and defocused mode was employed for evaporation. The complications and recurrence were evaluated in the follow-up sessions.

RESULTS

In some patients, mild keratotic lesions were observed in the follow-up sessions. Most patients were satisfied with treatment process and reported mild burning after treatment. No complication was observed in the patients.

CONCLUSION

CO2 laser could be employed for OLP lesions; however, some degrees of recurrence may occur.