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Review
. 2014 Dec 16;2(12):866-72.
doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i12.866.

Precancerous lesions of oral mucosa

Gurkan Yardimci  1 , Zekayi Kutlubay  1 , Burhan Engin  1 , Yalcin Tuzun  1
Affiliations
Review

Precancerous lesions of oral mucosa

Gurkan Yardimci et al. World J Clin Cases. .

Abstract

Precancerous lesions of oral mucosa, known as potentially malignant disorders in recent years, are consists of a group of diseases, which should be diagnosed in the early stage. Oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and oral erythroplakia are the most common oral mucosal diseases that have a very high malignant transformation rate. Oral lichen planus is one of the potentially malignant disorders that may be seen in six different subtypes including papular, reticular, plaque-like, atrophic, erosive, and bullous type, clinically. Atrophic and erosive subtypes have the greater increased malignant transformation risk compared to another subtypes. Although there are various etiological studies, the etiology of almost all these diseases is not fully understood. Geographically, etiologic factors may vary. The most frequently reported possible factors are tobacco use, alcohol drinking, chewing of betel quid containing areca nut, and solar rays. Early diagnosis is very important and can be lifesaving, because in late stages, they may be progressed to severe dysplasia and even carcinoma in situ and/or squamous cell carcinoma. For most diseases, treatment results are not satisfactory in spite of miscellaneous therapies. While at the forefront of surgical intervention, topical and systemic treatment alternatives such as corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and retinoids are widely used.

Keywords: Erythroplakia; Leukoplakia; Lichen planus; Malignant transformation; Oral premalignant lesions; Submucous fibrosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
White and red lesions known as erythroleukoplakia are seen.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Liken planus lesions on the dorsum of the tongue.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Reticular pattern lesions on the buccal mucosa.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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