Continuing medical educationPremalignant and malignant oral mucosal lesions: Clinical and pathological findings
Section snippets
Oral leukoplakia
Key points Oral leukoplakia is a potential malignancy of the oral mucosa Oral leukoplakia can be homogeneous or nonhomogeneous, with nonhomogenous lesions having a higher risk for malignant transformation Treatment and prevention include tobacco cessation, chemoprevention, and surgical excision
Background
Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a common and potentially malignant condition of the oral mucosa1 that is characterized by a white, irreversible, nonscrapable lesion (Table I). A flow chart on the management of potentially
Erythroplakia
Key points Erythroplakia is an erythematous patch or plaque of the oral mucosal lesion It carries a high rate of malignant transformation Tobacco, alcohol use, and high-risk HPV are risk factors for the condition
Lichen planus
Key points Oral LP is a chronic, immunologically driven inflammatory disease that affects both the skin and mucous membranes The most common presentation is a lacy white reticular mucosal lesion Topical corticosteroids are considered first-line treatment
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Key points Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary tumor to arise in children and young adults Tumors occur most commonly in the parotid, submandibular, and minor salivary glands
Background
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common salivary gland malignancy in adults and the most common tumor to arise in children and young adults <20 years of age.42, 43 MEC accounts for about 10% of all major salivary gland neoplasms and approximately 15% to 23% of all minor salivary gland neoplasms.44
Adenoid cystic carcinoma
Key points Adenoid cystic carcinoma is an aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate, and is prone to distant metastasis Overall, ACC has a poor prognosis
Oral mucosal squamous cell carcinoma
Key points Oral mucosal squamous cell carcinoma accounts for >90% of all oral malignancies Treatment commonly involves wide surgical excision, neck dissection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or more commonly combination therapy
Oral mucosal melanoma
Key points Oral mucosal melanoma is a rare melanocytic neoplasm, with greater aggressive behavior than cutaneous melanoma The single most important prognostic factor is early diagnosis
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Oral Dis
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2022, International Journal of Biological MacromoleculesCitation Excerpt :The synthesized nanoparticles have good homogeneity and can rapidly release the drug locally, which is significant in reducing inflammation and repairing the mucosa [186,187]. Oral precancerous lesions include oral leukoplakia, erythroplakia, lichen planus, and oral submucosal fibrosis, which have the possibility of carcinogenesis when existing for a long time [188]. 5-ALA-mediated local photodynamic therapy has a good effect on oral precancerous lesions, but photosensitizers are susceptible to the moist environment in oral and have low absorption efficiency [189].
Malignant transformation of oral proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: a series of 48 patients with suggestions for management
2021, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryOral Potentially Malignant Disorders
2020, Dental Clinics of North AmericaCitation Excerpt :When palpated, erythroplakias are typically soft. Indurated areas or lesions that are firm to palpation occur when malignant transformation and invasion are present.2 The soft palate is the most common site for erythroplakia to occur.
Date of release: July 2019
Expiration date: July 2022
Funding sources: None.
Conflicts of interest: None disclosed.