Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: diagnosis, management and current advances.

INTRODUCTION Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is a multifocal and progressive lesion of the oral mucosa, with unknown etiology, and commonly resistant to all therapy attempts with frequent recurrences. It is characterized by a high rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma and verrucou carcinoma transformations. OBJECTIVE To analyze the studies about Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and develop a concise update. METHODS A Pubmed search identifying studies (laboratory research, case series and reviews of literature) that examined patients with Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia was realized. RESULTS There are not enough studies about Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia in the literature. The few found studies not present a consensus about its etiology and diagnosis criteria. Although several treatment strategies have been proposed, most of them still show a high recurrence rate. CONCLUSION More research about Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is necessary to understand and treat this disease.