Leukoplakia-A Diagnostic and Management Algorithm

Abstract

Oral white lesions are frequently encountered in daily practice. Most white lesions are benign (eg, reactive keratoses or keratoses from inflammatory conditions) and the diagnosis is usually evident from the clinical presentation and histopathology. Leukoplakia is a common condition characterized by an increased risk for malignant transformation. Histopathology of leukoplakia can disclose hyperkeratosis with dysplasia or carcinoma or hyperkeratosis or parakeratosis without dysplasia. Treatment depends on demographic, social, clinical, and histopathologic factors. This review focuses on the diagnosis and management of oral leukoplakia.