Recognizing and treating oral leukoplakia in primary care
Source: www.clinicaladvisor.com Authors: Christina Alvarez, PA-C, Corinne I. Alois, MS, PA-C, Louise Lee, EdD, MHA, PA-C Oral leukoplakia is a common premalignant condition most commonly identified in the smoking patient population. Once oral leukoplakia is diagnosed, the fundamental goal is to minimize progression towards invasive carcinoma through the use of various treatment methods such as traditional scalpel excision, cryotherapy, and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy. Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Oral Leukoplakia Leukoplakia is defined as a white, painless, plaque most commonly occurring on the buccal mucosa, lateral tongue, or floor of the mouth.1 Leukoplakia is considered one of the most common oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) with an estimated worldwide prevalence of 1.5% to 2.6%.1 This premalignant condition, which can lead to oral cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, presents with various transformation rates ranging from 0.1% to 17.5%.2 Due to variability in transformation to malignancy, identification, treatment, and monitoring is imperative. The etiology of oral leukoplakia is multifactorial and many cases are considered idiopathic; however, several strong risk factors are associated with this condition, the most common being chronic exposure to all forms of tobacco products, which cause mucosal irritation over time.1,2 Prolonged use of tobacco products is attributed to the conversion of normal cells to hyperplasia, dysplasia, and eventually carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma. It is reported that leukoplakia is 6 times more common in smokers than nonsmokers.1 Oral leukoplakia is most commonly seen in men aged 40 years and older, particularly after years of chronic tobacco use.1,2 [...]