Leukoplakia with Diverse Grades of Epithelial Dysplasia – A Case Series and Review of Literature with Updated Management Protocol

Abstract

Oral leukoplakia is considered the most potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity, with a high risk of malignant transformation. Based on the clinical manifestation, it has been classified as a homogeneous and non-homogeneous variant. It has been considered predominantly a white lesion of the oral cavity that cannot be classified under any other definable lesions. Leukoplakia is a term used to describe the lesion clinically. There are various components responsible for the threatening change of oral leukoplakia. The clinical diagnosis of leukoplakia is confirmed by histopathology, which commonly indicates intense epithelial dysplasia. This manuscript describes a series of cases diagnosed clinically as leukoplakia and their grades of epithelial dysplasia, a Review of literature about etiology and the key pathogenesis behind it, risk determinants for malignant transformation, chair side investigation for epithelial dysplasia, and updated management protocol.