NON-SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA : A REVIEW

Authors- Siddharth Kumar Singh, Sunira Chandra, Shruti Sinha, Srisailam Chakravarthi

At present, evidence based approach for management of oral leukoplakia is lacking. Leukoplakia, a potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity has increased risk for oral cancer. When treated in early stages, the chances of malignant transformation can be reduced. In spite of several treatment options available, there is no specific and appropriate one for reducing the malignant transformation of the leukoplakia. Tobacco and alcohol abuse is associated with increased risk of development of oral leukoplakia. Surgical intervention for management of oral leukoplakia is a promising approach, but minimizing the risk of malignant transformation is uncertain. On the other hand, medical treatment that includes inconclusive use of chemo-preventive agents such as carotenoids, vitamin C & E, polyphenols, bleomycin, photodynamic therapy are more attractive especially in preventing malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia. Non-surgical treatment overweighs surgical approach in terms of non-invasiveness, good aesthetic outcome, tolerance on the part of the patient without considerable side effects and used when surgical approach is denied or contra-indicated. The aim of this review article is to discuss different non-surgical treatment options for oral leukoplakia.

Key Words: Leukoplakia, Antioxidant, Tobacco