Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia management requires x-ray surveillance. A retrospective study of 78 cases.

BACKGROUND: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a very rare lesion of the oral mucosa with frequent development of oral epithelial dysplasia and a very high ratio of malignant transformation (MT). The aim of this study is to correlate radiographic assessment of alveolar bone resorption with the clinical manifestations and course of PVL in order to improve therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study evaluates the resorptive changes on alveolar ridges in 78 cases of PVL, confirmed by clinical and pathological criteria. All patients were treated at the Oral Medicine Department, Dentistry Clinic, University Hospital Pilsen. Each case was examined for bone defects using imaging methods such as X-ray intraoral scans, orthopantomograms, or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The location and extent of the resorption were correlated with the distribution of PVL lesions in the oral cavity and the course of the mucosal disease. Cases with MT underwent whole-body examination using hybrid imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography (PET) combined with either magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: A correlation between the alveolar resorptive process and the development of PVL lesions was found in 66.7% of PVL cases (52/78). In one-sixth of cases (13/78), progressive bone loss paralleled worsening mucosal status and increased tooth mobility. Radiographic follow-ups delineated areas indicated for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy to address aggressive local cofactors in PVL. Oral squamous cell carcinoma developed in 37% of cases (29/78). Combined clinical and radiologic surveillance enabled early detection of malignant transformation (MT) in 5 cases (17% of MTs). CONCLUSION: Routine radiologic assessment is an essential component of PVL management. Radiography and CT improve detection of local cofactors, help define the scope of therapy, and may indicate the onset of MT before overt clinical manifestations.