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Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: A Review

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Joshua Lubek, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Oral epithelial dysplasia is a common but poorly understand entity of the oral mucosa. Timely diagnosis and management of key to keeping this pre-malignant lesion from becoming a frank carcinoma. There is significant variability in diagnostic techniques and treatment options. This article will summarize the recent data on different diagnostic techniques and diagnostic adjuncts, it will then review the histopathology and treatment techniques.

Recent Findings

Numerous diagnostic methods including both chemical and optical techniques. There are no current universally accepted guidelines for diagnosis. The literature does not support one adjunct diagnostic technique over a traditional incisional biopsy. New evidence may support the future use of AI in the diagnosis of these lesions. There is also no consensus for definitive management of the dysplastic lesions. Current literature supports treatment of these lesions with a treatment based on the grade of the dysplasia.

Summary

Evidence supports the early diagnosis and definitive treatment of oral epithelial dysplasia to prevent the lesions from undergoing malignant transformation. There is considerable variance in both diagnosis and treatment in the literature.

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Funding

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Providence Portland Medical Center, Head and Neck Surgical Associates, Portland, OR, USA

    S. Loren Moles

  2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Ashleigh Weyh

  3. Pathology and Cytology Lab, Lexington, KY, USA

    Molly Housley Smith

  4. Head and Neck Cancer Integrated Practice Unit, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    Nicholas Callahan

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Contributions

SLM wrote the clinical presentation and adjuncts. MHS wrote the histopath. AW wrote treatment. NC wrote intro and came up for overall flow and concept for paper, NC also complied and edited the document.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicholas Callahan.

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Moles, S.L., Weyh, A., Smith, M.H. et al. Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: A Review. Curr Surg Rep 12, 36–43 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40137-024-00385-0

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