Evaluation of Clinical Outcomes and Recurrence After Surgical Excision of Oral Leukoplakia: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and recurrence patterns in cases of surgical excision of oral leukoplakia and identify key factors associated with disease recurrence and malignant transformation. Thirty patients aged 18-70 years who were diagnosed with oral leukoplakia through clinical and histopathological evaluation, with lesions larger than 1 cm2 requiring surgical excision, and who had ceased tobacco use or irritant habits for at least two months before surgery were considered. All the patients were monitored for 18 months postoperatively. Recurrence was defined as the reappearance of leukoplakia at or near the surgical site. Postoperative complications, including infection, scarring, and functional impairments affecting speech or mastication, were comprehensively documented at each follow-up: one week, one month, three months, six months, 12 months, and 18 months after surgery. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Overall, 27% of patients experienced recurrence, with higher recurrence rates in nonhomogenous lesions (40%), tobacco users (35%), and dysplastic lesions (100%). Factors such as a history of tobacco use and histopathological dysplasia were strongly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. This study highlighted the significance of lesion type, dysplasia, and patient risk factors such as tobacco use in predicting postsurgical recurrence. Close follow-up and risk factor modification are recommended to optimize patient outcomes.