Leukoplakia is considered the most common potentially malignant lesion of the oral cavity, especially in adults over 40 years of age, and it has a multifactorial cause. Most of the time it is asymptomatic, which is why the Dentist must act with a global vision in routine consultations. Besides identifying and eliminating risk factors related to the appearance of the lesion, it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis by excluding other white lesions of the oral mucosa. A careful investigation of dysplasia in the histopathological study is essential to recognize the potential malignancy of the lesion and to promote an early diagnosis, which will strongly influence the prognosis, the treatment plan and the orientation of these patients. The present dissertation proposes to approach the potentially malignant oral leukoplakia lesion, providing the Dentist with updated and relevant information, supporting it with the presentation of a clinical case.
Keywords: Leukoplakia, Dysplasia, Histology, P16
