Year : 2019

Volume : Volume 10

Issue : Issue 1s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Junaid Kapadia.
drjunaid.kapadia@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The oral mucosa is lined by stratified squamous epithelium and has topographic differences that correlate with physical demands or a higher degree of specialization. The term 'white patch' is often used clinically to describe the appearance of lesions presenting as white areas on the oral mucosa, and as many such lesions are associated with abnormal or increased keratin production, they are often described as keratoses. Keratotic "White lesions" of the oral mucosa often present problems of differential diagnosis, which are of primary importance when assessing precancerous changes in the mouth. All these white lesions may be clearly identified, differentiated, and circumscribed as clinico-pathological disease-entities, by clinical, histopathological and ultra-structural methods, thus facilitating early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of possible malignancy. The process of diagnosis and treatment planning in the case of keratotic white lesions of oral cavity is of great concern to the patient as it determines the nature of future follow up care. Differentiation between early stage cancers, precancerous lesions and other benign keratotic lesions is often difficult because of the similar clinical presentations. Therefore, the early detection of a premalignant or cancerous oral lesion promises to improve the survival and the morbidity of patients suffering from these conditions. This review is aimed at discussing the malignant potential of keratotic lesions, the various advanced diagnostic methods and the treatment of such lesions to avoid the further malignant complications. Keywords: Keratotic white lesions, potentially malignant lesions, leukoplakia, oral lichen planus.