Effects of Comorbid Disease Improvement on Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) and Oral Leukoplakia (OL) Lesions: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study

Background: Longitudinal studies that investigate the effects of the betterment of comorbid diseases on oral potentially malignant lesions are not yet available. Thereby, the aim of the current study is to examine the effects of comorbid disease betterment on oral potentially malignant lesions’ healing both in OLP and OL patients. Methods: The data of 197 consecutive patients (144 females and 53 males, age ± SD: 55.19±12.37 years, with ranges: 23-91 years), with oral lesions considered OLP and OL were processed and evaluated. Frequency of comorbid diseases and the presence of HPV (here subtypes were not evaluated) in the lesions in OLP, OL patient groups were evaluated and compared to the results of controls (n=139). Any risk model for OLP and OL lesions were established. High risk model for erosive-atrophic OLP and non-homogenous OL were also described. The influence of the betterment of comorbid diseases were also evaluated. Lesions were scored at the first and at the last visit (full recovery=0, improvement=1, no improvement=2). Results: One-hundred and ninety-seven patients (144 OLP +53 OL) were followed up for the average of 47.66 months (min-max: 1-203 months, SD: 54.19). Based on the established models HPV infection, iron deficiency, diabetes, and thyroid function disorders seem to behave as risk factors for OLP and also may affect OL formation. The betterment of comorbid diseases can cause significant improvement of OLP and OL lesions. Conclusion: By meticulous follow up of comorbid diseases the betterment of OLP and OL lesions can be achieved.