Title: Oral premalignant lesions – Dr. Burcescu Gabriela, Dr.Grigoriu Constantina, As. Univ. Dr. Avram Gabriela 

Dr Gabriela Burcescu graduated from Faculty of Dental Medicine at Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, class of 2022, currently resident doctor in General Dentistry with training at the “Vasile Goldiș” Western University in Arad.

Oral premalignant lesions are lesions that present morphological changes or genetically altered tissue with a higher potential for malignant transformation compared to normal tissues. Because they are asymptomatic, they are usually diagnosed incidentally during a routine dental examination. In order to detect them, the dentist is obliged to examine the entire oral cavity, including the labial, buccal, and alveolar mucosa, tongue, gingiva, and both the hard and soft palate.

However, in order for them to be diagnosed, it is important to be familiar with their clinical manifestations. Among the most common premalignant lesions are leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, oral submucous fibrosis, actinic cheilitis, and chronic hyperplastic candidiasis.

A definitive diagnosis is made through a biopsy, which can yield three possible results: benign lesion, premalignant lesion, or malignant lesion. Patients who present a high grade of dysplasia have an increased risk of malignant transformation compared to those with a lower grade of dysplasia. It is important that these patients adopt a preventive lifestyle, including a proper and balanced diet and giving up harmful habits (alcohol, tobacco, drug use).

Following the biopsy, the curative treatment may be surgical, either through classic excision with a scalpel or by using a CO2 laser.