Oral Leukoplakia Classification and Staging System
Oral Leukoplakia: It is defined as a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa which cannot be characterized as any other definable white lesion.
Floor of the mouth is the are with worst prognosis followed by the tongue and then Lips. About 50% of the lesions in floor of the mouth show features of epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma.
Modified Classification for Oral Leukoplakia:
- L1: Size of Leukoplakia <2 cm
- L2: Size of Leukoplakia 2-4 cm
- L3: Size of Leukoplakia > 4cm
- Lx: Size of Leukoplakia not Specified
- P0: No Epithelial Dysplasia
- P1: Distinct epithelial dysplasia
- Px: Dysplasia not specified in the pathology report
OLEP (Oral Leukoplakia) Staging System:
Staging system for Oral leukoplakia was designated to determine the Spread of Leukoplakia and the malignanat changes is any seen in the White lesion. L – determines the size of the lesion and P – determines the Dysplastic changes which will further lead to malignancy.
- Stage 1: L1P0
- Stage 2: L2P0
- Stage 3: L3P0 or L1L2P1
- Stage 4: L3P1
Treatment of Leukoplakia is determined by the stages of Leukoplakia, with the Increase in size and the presence of Dysplasia the prognosis of the lesion is decreased. So early intervention and prevention of further spread of the disease by stopping the etiological factors like beetle Quid Chewing will be helpful.
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I am Varun, a Dentist from Hyderabad, India trying my bit to help everyone understand Dental problems and treatments and to make Dental Education simplified for Dental Students and Dental fraternity. If you have any doubts feel free to contact me or comment in the post, thanks for visiting.
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Hi,
Dentist found isolated white lesions on the upper right side gum.
There is no coloration he said. He has ordered for a biopsy.
The lesions are very small in size, 1 to 2 mm clusters, each of them having about 5 isolated lesions of size of a pin point.
Is it very serious condition?
I am 67 yrs old woman. No bad habits like eating betal, smoking, tobacco chewing etc.
Thanks,
Viji
Without any image, it is difficult to come to a diagnosis of the exact condition or differential diagnosis. From what you have explaining they appear like – Fordyce Granules – http://www.juniordentist.com/fordyce-granules.html. If the lesions on your gums are similar to the ones in the link I have posted they are most likely harmless Fordyce Granules. But in case they are malignant a Biopsy will rule it out.