Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and its progression to oral carcinoma: a review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a distinct clinical form of oral leukoplakia defined by its progressive clinical course, changing clinical and histopathological features, and potential to develop into cancer. PVL behaves in a more aggressive and relentless manner than the more innocuous white oral lesions that it can resemble clinically. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted which identified studies that examined patients with PVL and reported data meeting inclusion criteria. RESULTS: PVL is seen much more frequently in females and most often diagnosed after the sixth decade of life. Tobacco use is not strongly linked to the presence of PVL (63% of patients did not use tobacco products). Most (74%) of the patients with PVL progressed to oral carcinoma. CONCLUSION: PVL is a persistent and progressive oral lesion that requires very close follow-up along with early and aggressive treatment to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.