OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken in order to investigate clinicopathologic characteristics and malignant potential of widespread multiple oral leukoplakias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study includes 12 patients with widespread multiple leukoplakias (widespread patients) and 99 with localized lesions (localized patients), and all patients were followed for more than 6 months with the mean follow-up period of 4 years. RESULTS: Gingiva and tongue were the major affected sites of leukoplakias in the localized patients, whereas gingiva and buccal mucosa were predominantly affected in the widespread patients. The rate of developing carcinoma was significantly (P < 0.02) higher in the widespread patients (3/12) than in the localized patients (5/99), although there was no significant difference in the rate of dysplastic lesions between these groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the widespread leukoplakias have a higher potential for the development of carcinoma than do the localized lesions.
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken in order to investigate clinicopathologic characteristics and malignant potential of widespread multiple oral leukoplakias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study includes 12 patients with widespread multiple leukoplakias (widespread patients) and 99 with localized lesions (localized patients), and all patients were followed for more than 6 months with the mean follow-up period of 4 years. RESULTS:Gingiva and tongue were the major affected sites of leukoplakias in the localized patients, whereas gingiva and buccal mucosa were predominantly affected in the widespread patients. The rate of developing carcinoma was significantly (P < 0.02) higher in the widespread patients (3/12) than in the localized patients (5/99), although there was no significant difference in the rate of dysplastic lesions between these groups. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the widespread leukoplakias have a higher potential for the development of carcinoma than do the localized lesions.