Abstract

MARTINEZ-SAHUQUILLO MARQUEZ, A. et al. Oral leukoplasia: A precancerous lesion. Av Odontoestomatol [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.1, pp.33-44. ISSN 2340-3152.

The current definition of leukoplakia is based on an essentially clinical concept. Therefore, both a provisional diagnosis of leukoplakia based on clinical criteria and a definite diagnosis for which etiological factors need to be eliminated and, should there be persistent lesions, a histological examination is required, are accepted. Follow up studies in which a malignant transformation has been observed have resulted in leukoplakia being considered as a precancerous disorder. Despite the fact that the diagnosis of dysplasia is subjective and certain recent studies have not found any association between this and the development of leukoplakia, the presence of epithelial dysplasia in the histological examination is currently considered to be the most important indicator of a higher possibility of malignant transformation of the leukoplakia. Among other factors that may indicate a worse prognosis are: if the leukoplakia is idiopathic, if clinical forms are non-homogenous, if it is located on the ventrolateral side of the tongue and the floor of the mouth, and if it is over 1 cm. (0.40 inches) in size.

Keywords : Leukoplakia; oral pre-cancer; precancerous lesion; epithelial dysplasia; prognosis.

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