Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: a concise update

Abstract

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is of uncertain etiology but may be associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is seen mainly in older women, beginning as a simple slow-growing, persistent leukoplakia that tends to spread and become multifocal and affect the gingival frequently. In time, PVL develops exophytic, wart-like or erythroplakic areas that become squamous carcinomas. Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia appears to resist to all attempts at therapy and often recurs.