A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Oral Lichen Planus (2004–2024): Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immunologically based chronic inflammatory condition with an unclear etiology that affects the oral mucosa, impacting patient quality of life and can lead to malignant transformation. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 2004 to 2024, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and management strategies for OLP. Medical databases from PubMed, Springer, and Elsevier were systematically reviewed to provide an evidence-based overview of developments over two decades. OLP has a global prevalence of approximately 1%, most often been reported in middle-aged and older women. Advances in understanding its immune-mediated pathogenesis, its clinical presentation, diagnosis of the disease become important for providing the right treatment, including topical and systemic therapies. Nonetheless, challenges remain regarding long-term management, recurrence, and cancer risk. Future research directions are highlighted to address gaps in knowledge and optimize patient outcomes.