Oral white lesions with special reference to precancerous and tobacco‐related lesions: conclusions of an international symposium held in Uppsala, Sweden, May 18–21 1994

Abstract

An international group of epidemiologists, clinicians and pathologists with a special interest in oral white lesions and their precancerous significance has reviewed earlier work on this topic and identified some of the problems associated with previous definitions, descriptions and classifications. Modifications to these definitions, descriptions and classifications have been proposed, accompanied by explanations of the reasons for identifying the need for changes to be made. Leukoplakia may be a provisional or definitive diagnosis dependent upon the circumstances of oral examination and the availability of other information. Guidelines are provided to assist in the application of the definitions of oral leukoplakia and illustrations depict the homogeneous and non-homogeneous clinical variants. Consideration is also given to the importance of a red component in a white lesion, or a lesion that is entirely red (erythroplakia). A new clinical staging procedure for oral leukoplakia is also proposed.

Smokeless Tobacco (Shammah) in Saudi Arabia: A Review of its Pattern of Use, Prevalence, and Potential Role in Oral Cancer

“…Oral LKP had been reported as the most premalignant lesion of the mouth in the Southeast Asia subregion. The rate of malignant transformation in oral leukoplakia varied from 6% in some studies9 to even higher figures in others (Axell et al, 1996;Neville and Day, 2002). A study done by Salem (1992) on the prevalence of leukoplakia in relation to tobacco habits (n=1,436) at Jazan Region, KSA.…”

Molecular alterations in the tumor suppressor gene WWOX in oral leukoplakias

“…1,2 The development of OL is strongly associated with the exogenous exposure to carcinogens, mainly smoking, chewing tobacco and betel nut. Of these, tobacco use is the most important etiological factor and is present in 80% of all cases.…”

Oral lycopene — an efficacious treatment for oral leukoplakia?

“…Once a histological diagnosis is made, it is useful to refer to it either by causal factor, for example, candidal leukoplakia, or by degree of dysplasia. 1 An international meeting clarifying these definitions reported its findings and also suggested a method of staging these lesions. 1 This has been further commented upon by Van der Waal and Axell 2 and Schepman and van der Waal 3 and it is a pity that this study did not adopt this methodology.…”

“…1 An international meeting clarifying these definitions reported its findings and also suggested a method of staging these lesions. 1 This has been further commented upon by Van der Waal and Axell 2 and Schepman and van der Waal 3 and it is a pity that this study did not adopt this methodology. This staging not only includes the different forms of dysplasia but also takes into account the size of the lesion.…”