Pre-Malignant Skin Conditions: Leukoplakia

Question 1

Leukoplakia

Clinical Feature

Answer 1

a morphologic term describing homogeneous or speckled white plaques with sharply demarcated
borders

Question 2

Leukoplakia

sites:

Answer 2

oropharynx, most often floor of the mouth, softpalate, and ventral/lateral surfaces of the tongue

Question 3

Leukoplakia Pathophysiology

Answer 3

precancerous or premalignant condition

• oral form is strongly associated with tobacco use and alcohol consumption

Question 4

Leukoplakia Epidemiology. Prevalence. Peak. Gender.

Answer 4

1-5% prevalence in adult population after 30 yr of age; peak at age 50
• M>F, fair-skinned
• most common oral mucosal premalignant lesion

Question 5

Leukoplakia

Differential Diagnosis

Answer 5

lichen planus, oral hairy leukoplakia, white sponge nevus

Question 6

Leukoplakia

Investigations

Answer 6

biopsy is mandatory due to risk of malignancy

Question 7

Leukoplakia Management

Answer 7

low risk sites on buccal/labial mucosal or hard palate: eliminate carcinogenic habits, smoking cessation,
follow-up
• moderate/dysplastic lesions: excision, cryotherapy