Potentially malignant lesions
Removal of known risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, betel and trauma) is a mandatory first step. Up to 60% of leukoplakias regress or totally disappear if tobacco use is stopped. Leukoplakias induced by smokeless tobacco may resolve if the habit is stopped. Success is difficult to achieve, however: in one series of 145 patients operated on for oral leukoplakias, only 20 gave up smoking and only five stopped drinking alcohol. • The patient should be re-examined 3 months after instituting this lifestyle change. • If the lesion persists, it should be removed. However, many patients with leukoplakias belong to lower socioeconomic groups and do not always accept or understand the need to re-attend. Therefore, many suggest removing the lesion at an earlier stage.
