Author/Authors :
Larsen, Marie Kjaergaard Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark , Sørensen, Jens Ahm Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark , Godballe, Christian Department of ORL-Head and Neck Surgery - Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark , Thygesen, Torben Henrik Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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 , Cryosurgery
