The value of regular follow‐up of oral leukoplakia for early detection of malignant transformation

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesEvaluate whether regular follow‐up of oral leukoplakia (OL) resulted in early detection of malignant transformation (MT).MethodTwo hundred and twenty‐two consecutive patients with OL (147 females, 75 males); median follow‐up period of 64 months (range: 12–300). Three groups were distinguished: group A (n = 92) follow‐up at the hospital; group B (n = 84) follow‐up by their dentist; group C (n = 46) lost to follow‐up.ResultsOLs in group B compared to group A, were smaller in size (<2 cm; p < 0.001), showed more hyperkeratosis (p < 0.001) and less moderate/severe dysplasia (p < 0.001). MT occurred in 45 (20%) patients: 32 (35%) in group A, five (6%) in group B and eight (17%) in group C. There was no significant difference in clinical tumour size between group A (median: 15 mm, range: 1–40) and group B (median: 10 mm, range: 3–25; p = 0.496). Tumour size was smaller for patients in groups A and B (median: 10 mm, range 1–40) compared to group C (median: 33 mm, range: 3–100; p = 0.003). There was a positive correlation between tumour size and interval between the last visit in all patients (p = 0.022).ConclusionRegular follow‐up of OL resulted in early detection of MT. If properly selected, follow‐up of OL performed by the dentist seems feasible.