Oral lichen planus affects 1–2 per cent of the general adult population and is the most common noninfectious oral mucosal disease in patients referred to oral medicine and oral pathology clinics. According to clinical features and histopathologic analysis, there are several variants including linear, hypertrophic, bullous, erosive, palmoplantar, nodular, annular, atrophic, follicular, ulcerative, plaque-like, reticular, papular. The aim of this communication is to provide an update of the clinical and histological features of OLP, process of OLP diagnosis, causes of OLP, management of OLP patients and medical treatment of OLP lesions. The malignant potential of OLP is discussed and practical steps to reduce the risk of oral cancer in OLP patients are presented. The need for OLP patient education is highlighted.
