Oral Leukoplakia: A Premalignant Condition

Oral leukoplakia is a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that carries an increased risk of malignant transformation. Risk of malignant transformation may vary ranging from 2 to 3 percent or even much higher. Common association has been seen with tobacco smoking with preponderance to male sex. Various surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities have been used to treat this condition, but recurrence is equally common with all of them. Due to limited research and poor definition of oral leukoplakia, this subject still needs more research on an international level to improve its outcome.