Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Revisited: A Retrospective Clinicopathological Study

Abstract

(1) Objective: To review the criteria proposed by Cerero-Lapiedra et al. and to retrospectively identify the under-diagnosed disease in patients diagnosed with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. (2) Materials and methods: In this study, we included patients who were diagnosed with leukoplakia (histological label consistent with the clinical diagnosis, n = 95), and cases with a final diagnosis within the spectrum of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (n = 110) as defined by Batsakis et al. We applied the criteria proposed by Cerero-Lepiedra et al. to screen for the possible cases of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. (3) Results: Although many of our patients satisfied specific isolated criteria, only 11 cases satisfied specific combinations of the guidelines to satisfy a diagnosis of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. However, due to the lack of follow-up data, the disease is not confirmed in these 11 cases. (4) Conclusion: A limited number of cases of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia were diagnosed using the criteria given by Cerero-Lapiedra et al. The true natural history of the disease could not be studied due to the lack of follow-up data. (5) Clinical relevance: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia presenting as hyperkeratosis or mild epithelial dysplasia are often not followed up, and they subsequently transform into carcinoma. Thus, clinicians must be vigilant whenever they encounter leukoplakia, especially with multifocal presentations. In such cases, the follow-up data are the key to understanding the true nature of the disease entity.

Detection of Human PapillomaVirus and its Association with Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

“…Squamous epithelium covers the oral mucosa; hence, it is crucial to examine the link between HPV infection and oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC). [ 6 ] There have been several studies showing a correlation between HPV and OSCC, however, the precise nature of this relationship to oral carcinogenesis is still unknown. [ 11 ]…”

“…[ 4 5 ] More and more evidence from the fields of epidemiology and molecular biology points to the possibility that certain types of high-risk human papillomavirus, particularly types 16 and 18, are to blame for the emergence of certain types of head-and-neck cancer, particularly OPSCC. [ 6 7 ]…”

HIV Infection and Oral Manifestations: An Update

“…If there is no removal of the plaque, the suggestive diagnosis is OHL, and if it comes out, it will be candidiasis. Among the histological features of OHL, we evidenced areas of hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, acanthosis, papillomatosis, and the presence of layers of ballooned cells similar to koilocytes with nuclear alterations in the spinous layer, epithelial inflammatory infiltrate, and connective tissue [112][113][114][129][130][131][132].…”

“…The treatment of OHL is not just periodontal, and necrotizing diseases boils down to topical and systemic chemical-mechanical therapy [129][130][131][132].…”

Dental implants for patients with oral mucosal diseases: A narrative review and clinical guidance

“…14 The plaque form, in particular, may mimic other oral pathological conditions, including leukoplakia, which must be excluded by the treating dentist and biopsied if needed. 18 Desquamative gingivitis is often an early sign of OLP in active disease and presents as desquamation (peeling) of the gingival margin with erythema and bleeding on brushing. 13 Patients with oral lichen planus may also experience discomfort, pain and sensitivity with acidic and spicy foods or drinks and/or a burning sensation in the oral cavity of varying severity.…”