Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing to Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Authors

Magdalena Orlowska DDS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow
Felipe Nör DDS, MS, PhD, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow
Robert Eber DDS, MS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow
Stepanie Munz DDS, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow
David Tindle DDS, MS, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MichiganFollow

Abstract

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an uncommon type of oral leukoplakia characterized by white patches featuring verrucoid areas. It is a condition of idiopathic origin, displaying a strong tendency to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, or the newly described particulate carcinoma. PVL is more commonly found in elderly women who have had leukoplakic lesions for many years. Although PVL may be found virtually anywhere in the oral cavity, the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and tongue are the most common sites. In this case, we describe a lesion of this nature found in an elderly male patient. PVL is difficult to control over time as areas becomes more exophytic, wartlike, and apparently resistant to all forms of therapy. Recurrence is frequently observed. Notably, a higher incidence of recurrence and malignant transformation has been recorded with lesions involving the gingiva.

Recommended Citation

Orlowska, Magdalena DDS; Nör, Felipe DDS, MS, PhD; Eber, Robert DDS, MS; Munz, Stepanie DDS; and Tindle, David DDS, MS (2024) "Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing to Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 106: No. 5, Article 12.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol106/iss5/12