Identification of specific clinical risk factors associated with the malignant transformation of oral epithelial dysplasia

Abstract

Factors that increase the risk of malignant transformation of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) are not completely elucidated. A retrospective chart review was performed assessing risk factors for transformation of OED, and cancer staging for transformed cases at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Two-hundred four patients were diagnosed with OED, and 16.7% (34) underwent malignant transformation. Risk factors associated with transformation included: heavy tobacco smoking, excessive EtOH consumption, non-homogenous leukoplakia, size >200 mm2 , moderate dysplasia or greater than moderate, progression of dysplasia grades, and immunosuppression. Transformed cases followed for a dysplastic lesion were associated with a stage-I cancer diagnosis, and cancer cases with no prior biopsy were associated with a stage-IV diagnosis. In addition to commonly cited risk factors, immunosuppression was associated with malignant transformation, including the use of topical steroids. Analyzing risk factors can help clinicians define risk of progression in patients with OED.