[Oral leukoplakia associated with Human Papilloma Virus; a bipolar infection in a young patient].

INTRODUCTION

Human Papilloma Virus could infect human epithelia, including cervical and oral keratynocites, leading to the development of dysplastic or malignant changes. Regarding the oral mucosa, leukoplakia is the most potentially malignant disorder associated with Papilloma Virus coinfection.

OBJECTIVE

the aim of this report is to present a case of a young woman with a previous history of a high-risk cervical lesion associated with Human Papillomavirus and an oral leukoplakia associated with the same viral infection using immunohistochemical techniques.

METHODOLOGY: the case was recorded and treated at the Oral Medicine Department, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. The patient was monitored and followed-up during three years, with no evidence of disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

due to the increased rates of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas among young patients in recent years and a supposed relationship to Human Papillomavirus infection, this case reflects a challenge not only in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up, but also the urgent need to approach these patients in a transdisciplinary perspective. Since most of these viral lesions are usually transmitted sexually, it is necessary to promote awareness in the population about prevention and protection measures against sexually transmitted infections.