Leukoplakia 4

Definition Leukoplakia is the most common premalignant or "potentially malignant" lesion of the oral mucosa. Leukoplakia is a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa than cannot be clinicopathologically characterized as any other definable lesion. The term leukoplakia is a clinical descriptor only and should not be used once histological information is available. On the other hand, the terms keratosis and dyskeratosis are histological features and should not be used as clinical terms. Based on clinical examinations a provisional diagnosis of leukoplakia is made when the lesion cannot be clearly diagnosed as any other disease of the oral mucosa with a white appearance. A definitive diagnosis is made as a result of the identification, and if possible elimination, of suspected etiological factors and, in the case of persistent lesions, histopathological examination confirm the diagnosis.