Background: The aim of this study was to collect epidemiological, aetiopathogenic, clinical, histological and therapeutic data concerning proliferative verrucous leucoplakia (PVL) and to report three new cases.
Patients and methods: A literature review performed using the Medline database enabled us to collate 39 studies involving 607 cases. Three new cases were added.
Results: PVL is a rare disease characterized by extensive and multifocal oral leucoplakic lesions. Its histological pattern depends on the stage of the disease: hyperkeratosis, verrucous hyperplasia, verrucous carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The aetiopathogenesis of PVL is poorly understood and there is no clear consensus concerning therapy. Malignant transformation occurs in over 50 % of cases.
Discussion: Diagnosis of PVL is difficult because of the presenting signs, which can be mistaken for those of other diseases. Management may be complicated and long-term follow-up is essential.
Keywords: Carcinome verruqueux; Carcinome épidermoïde; Leucoplasie buccale; Leucoplasie verruqueuse proliférative; Mouth neoplasia; Oral leucoplakia; Proliferative verrucous leucoplakia; Squamous cell carcinoma; Tumeurs de la bouche; Verrucous carcinoma.
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