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Oral leukoplakia: Diagnosis and treatment
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a common premalignant lesion. The possible benefits of specific
interventions in preventing a malignant transformation of OL are not well understood. This review assesses different
invasive treatment techniques for OL and evaluate the optimal treatment possibilities.
METHODS: A Medline (PubMed) search was conducted and heterogeneity between the studies was found, e.g., with
regard to the OL lesions, patient groups, follow-up time, and definition of recurrence.
RESULTS: The recurrence and malignant transformation rate after the different treatment methods were evaluated. The
mean overall recurrence rate varied with the treatment method.
CONCLUSION: A surgical treatment appears to decrease the risk of transformation but does not fully eliminate it.
Follow-up should be done regardless of the surgical treatment.
KEYWORDS: Oral Leukoplakia; Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Chemotherapy; Laser Ablation; Cryosurger