Lesioni della mucosa orale e loro potenzialità maligna Update clinico

摘要

The definition "Potentially Malignant Disorders" (PMDs) was recently introduced during a WHO Workshop (2005) to identify those disorders of the oral cavity associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. In contrast to the old terminology, based first on precancerous term and later on the term "potentially malignant lesions/ conditions", this new definition arises from the evidence that molecular aberrations, suggestive of a malignant evolution, can be detected in any clinically normal site of the oral cavity of patients suffering from PMDs. Although a range of PMDs are recognized, oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus/lichenoid lesions and erythroplakia (erythroplasia) are the most important and will be briefly reviewed in this paper. Oral leukoplakia (OL) is the most common PMD which can appear clinically or as a homogeneous white plaque or in a non-homogeneous form (associated with red areas - erythroleukoplakia, nodular or verrucous). Although its annual malignant transformation rate is about 1-2% has been reported, currently, there are no signs or symptoms which reliably predict whether OL will undergo malignant transformation. Erythroplakia is a red macula or slightly depressed area, usually solitary and often associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation.