From the Guidelines
The next step for a patient with leukoplakia is to consider photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a treatment option.
Treatment Options for Leukoplakia
- Non-surgical approaches: include chemoprevention or observation without intervention, but randomized controlled trials have shown no promising evidence regarding the prevention of malignant transformation and recurrence of OLK by chemoprevention 1.
- Surgical methods: such as traditional excision, electrocauterization, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser ablation, and cryosurgery, but these methods have limitations, including postoperative pain, oedema, and scarring 1.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid-mediated photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) has shown promise as a minimally invasive treatment option with low risk of systemic side effects and disfigurement 1.
- Clinical effects of PDT: have been observed, with no recurrence at follow-up periods of 6-8 months 1. Overall, PDT is a viable treatment option for patients with leukoplakia, offering a minimally invasive approach with potential for effective lesion reduction or elimination.
From the Research
Next Steps for Leukoplakia Treatment
The next steps for a patient with leukoplakia involve a thorough diagnosis and management plan. Key considerations include:
- Timely workup and effective management to reduce the risk of malignant transformation and promote early diagnosis of invasive tumors 2
- Biopsy of any persistent or suspicious leukoplakia, with subsequent management dictated by histologic findings 2
- Benign lesions can be observed or treated with topical therapy, while dysplastic lesions should be excised 2
Treatment Options
Various treatment options are available, including:
- Topical chemopreventive agents 3
- Complete surgical removal 3
- Laser-supported surgical protocols, such as CO2 laser treatment 4
- Different surgical protocols, including superficial vaporization, complete excision, and partial surgical removal 4
Follow-Up and Monitoring
Regular follow-up and monitoring are crucial to prevent malignant transformation and detect any potential recurrences. This may involve: