Proliferative Veruccous Leukoplakia: An Extensive Red and White Lesion.

ABSTRACT

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a rare form of leukoplakia, which was first described by Hansen et al. in the year 1985. PVL is a disease with aggressive behavior due to its high rate of recurrence and a high rate of malignant transformation, usually more than 70%. This is a long-term progressive condition, which is observed more frequently in females over the age of 60 years. In the course of time, PVL tends to become multifocal with progressive deterioration of the lesions, making it more and more difficult to control. Unlike other cases of leukoplakia, tobacco use does not seem to have a significant influence on the appearance and progression of PVL. As this condition is seen in non-smokers, the etiology of PVL remains unclear making the management and diagnosis difficult. The aim of this article is to present a case which is diagnosed based on the diagnostic criteria proposed by Cerero-Lapiadra et al.