Leukoplakia
Etiology:
Chronic irritation which leads to malignancy. Tobacco, both smoked and topical.
Method of Transmission:
Not Applicable
Characteristics:
Clinical features are highly variable. Shapes, sizes, single, multiple, soft, firm, redness, ulcerations, pebbly, verrucous. Some highlights include:
Speckled Leukoplakia (erythroleukoplakia) Lesions exhibit red and white components, Verrucous Leukoplakia lesions show irregular surface texture, and Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is an aggressive form tending to be multi focal showing a high incidnece of progresion to carcinoma. This form has a tendancy to form on gingival tissues.
Dental Implications:
It is very important to get a proper diagnosis as some of these can be malignant.
Treatment/Prognosis:
Biopsies should be performed as they are the only accurate assessment. Treatment decisions are made following the biopsy. Nondysplastic lesions are best managed by altering risk factors like tobacco use. Dysplastic lesions are often managed by surgical removal. Laser therapy also. As many as 50 percent of patients will experience recurrence. Any patient who has been treated for premalgninat lesion has significantly increased chance for developing additional lesions over time. Continued clinical follow up is mandatory.