ORAL LEUKOPATHY: CLINICAL ASPECTS, RISK FACTORS, AND POTENTIAL FOR MALIGNANT TRANSFORMATION — A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Oral leukoplakia is considered the most prevalent potentially malignant oral disorder in the global population, defined as a white plaque on the oral mucosa that cannot be rubbed off or classified as any other known condition. Its clinical relevance lies in its potential for transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma, making early diagnosis and longitudinal follow-up indispensable measures in dental practice. Tobacco, in its various forms of consumption, constitutes the main risk factor associated with the development of the lesion, although microbiological, nutritional, and behavioral factors also play a relevant role in its pathogenesis and progression. Objective: To analyze, through a literature review, the main aspects related to oral leukoplakia, encompassing its definition, classification, epidemiology, risk factors, clinical and histopathological features, malignant transformation potential, and available therapeutic approaches. Methodology: This is a narrative literature review study conducted from a survey of scientific publications indexed in the PubMed and PMC databases. Original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and case reports published in English and Portuguese were selected, with no period restriction, prioritizing studies of proven clinical and epidemiological relevance on oral leukoplakia and potentially malignant oral disorders. Discussion: The analyzed data confirm that oral leukoplakia is a heterogeneous condition in its clinical, histopathological, and evolutionary aspects. The presence of epithelial dysplasia, the non-homogeneous shape of the lesion, location in high-risk areas, and the maintenance of tobacco habits were identified as the main factors associated with malignant transformation. Diagnosis remains challenging due to its nature of exclusion, and the available therapeutic modalities still do not completely eliminate the risk of recurrence, reinforcing the importance of periodic clinical follow-up and a multidisciplinary approach in the management of these patients.