Abstract
Oral leukoplakia (OL) is certainly the most relevant lesion that affects the oral mucosa, since it has an intrinsic potential for malignant transformation, specifically to squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); and, besides, constitutes an important issue on clinical assessment. Thus far, no treatment (or management) can prevent the risk of malignant transformation of OL.
Highlights
Oral leukoplakia (OL) is certainly the most relevant lesion that affects the oral mucosa, since it has an intrinsic potential for malignant transformation, to squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); and, besides, constitutes an important issue on clinical assessment
It is said that surgical approach can reduce the odds of OL to develop into OSCC [1]
This article describes the use of cryosurgery for small OL lesions, in an area of low risk of malignant transformation
Summary
Oral leukoplakia (OL) is certainly the most relevant lesion that affects the oral mucosa, since it has an intrinsic potential for malignant transformation, to squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC); and, besides, constitutes an important issue on clinical assessment. Biopsy is usually taken with the purpose to: a) To exclude other similar disease such as oral lichen planus or candida leukoplakia [2].; b) To disclose, if present, the extent of epithelial dysplasia; and c) To detect any superficial malignancy not yet clinically perceived [1,3]. Small OL lesion can be removed by excisional biopsy and patient placed under periodical monitoring for either to detect recurrence, the development of a new lesion or, possibly, a malignant change [1,3].
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