Endoscopic diagnosis value of narrow band imaging Ni classification in vocal fold leukoplakia and early glottic cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the diagnostic value and the correlation between histological diagnosis and the Ni classification under narrow band imaging (NBI) for vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) and early glottic cancer. METHODS: A total of 91 patients with 119 vocal fold lesions were selected from January 2017 to May 2020. All these patients were subsequently examined by white light imaging (WLI) and NBI endoscopy, and then all lesions were classified by the Ni classification according to the characteristics of intraepithelial papillary capillary loop (IPCL) observed. The gold standard of diagnosis was histopathological results. Eventually, the chi-square and kappa test were applied, respectively, to evaluate the diagnostic value of NBI endoscopy and the consistency of Ni classification and pathological results. RESULTS: The accuracy and sensitivity of NBI endoscopy were significantly higher than that of WLI endoscopy (P < 0.05). For the diagnosis of precancerous lesions under the NBI, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value were 69.6% (16/23), 90.6% (87/96), 64.0% (16/25) and 92.6% (87/94), which for malignant lesions were 84.4% (65/77), 92.9% (39/42), 95.6% (65/68) and 76.5% (39/51). Moreover, for patients with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (mild and moderate dysplasia), type IV lesions accounted for the most (69.6 vs 30.4%; χ2 = 36.961, P < 0.001). For high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or carcinoma in situ, type Va lesions were predominant (χ2 = 30.526, P < 0.001), while type Vb and Vc lesions were dominant in invasive carcinoma (χ2 = 64.373, P < 0.001). Besides, the kappa test revealed that there was a high consistency between Ni classification and pathological diagnosis (Kappa = 0.667, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Ni classification can improve the diagnosis accuracy of vocal fold lesions which enables clear visualization of mucosal microvasculature. This is essential for the early diagnosis of VFL and early glottic cancer during routine endoscopic examination.

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia: An Expert Consensus Guideline for Standardized Assessment and Reporting.

The many diverse terms used to describe the wide spectrum of changes seen in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) have resulted in disparate clinical management. The objective of this study was to produce an expert consensus guideline for standardized assessment and reporting by pathologists diagnosing PVL related lesions. 299 biopsies from 84 PVL patients from six institutions were selected from patients who had multifocal oral leukoplakic lesions identified over several years (a minimum follow-up period of 36 months). The lesions demonstrated the spectrum of histologic features described in PVL, and in some cases, patients developed oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). An expert working group of oral and maxillofacial and head and neck pathologists reviewed microscopic features in a rigorous fashion, in combination with review of clinical photographs when available. The working group then selected 43 single slide biopsy cases for whole slide digital imaging (WSI) review by members of the consensus conference. The digital images were then reviewed in two surveys separated by a washout period of at least 90 days. Five non-PVL histologic mimics were included as controls. Cases were re-evaluated during a consensus conference with 19 members reporting on the cases. The best inter-observer diagnostic agreement relative to PVL lesions were classified as "corrugated ortho(para)hyperkeratotic lesion, not reactive" and "SCC" (chi-square p = 0.015). There was less than moderate agreement (kappa < 0.60) for lesions in the "Bulky hyperkeratotic epithelial proliferation, not reactive" category. There was ≥ moderate agreement (> 0.41 kappa) for 35 of 48 cases. This expert consensus guideline has been developed with support and endorsement from the leadership of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and the North American Society of Head and Neck Pathologists to recommend the use of standardized histopathologic criteria and descriptive terminology to indicate three categories of lesions within PVL: (1) "corrugated ortho(para)hyperkeratotic lesion, not reactive;" (2) "bulky hyperkeratotic epithelial proliferation, not reactive;" and (3) "suspicious for," or "squamous cell carcinoma." Classification of PVL lesions based on a combination of clinical findings and these histologic descriptive categories is encouraged in order to standardize reporting, aid in future research and potentially guide clinical management.

Knowledge about oral leukoplakia for use at different levels of expertise, including patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this contribution is to discuss how the subject of oral leukoplakia might be communicated among the various healthcare workers and also among patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The discussion is based on the available literature and on many decades of clinical and histopathological experience of the author. RESULTS: The literature does not contain guidelines on what level of expertise can be expected from the various dental and medical healthcare workers in the field of oral leukoplakia, nor on how to communicate this disorder with patients. Based on personal experience, a number of suggestions have been proposed to overcome this shortcoming. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about oral leukoplakia varies among the various healthcare workers, depending on their level of expertise. Communication on this subject with patients should be in easy to understand wording, avoiding professional terminology as much as possible.

Proliferative leukoplakia: Proposed new clinical diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) from a clinical and histopathological standpoint and suggest an updated classification. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Records of patients seen at three oral medicine centers with a clinical diagnosis of PVL were reviewed for clinical and histopathological features and malignant transformation (MT). RESULTS: There were 42 patients (median age: 69 years [range: 36-88]; 35 females). 12.2% were current smokers. Family history of cancer was present in 43.7% of patients. Partial demarcation of lesion margins was present in 31.3% of lesions, followed by verrucous (27.5%), smooth (22.7%) erythematous (22.3%), and fissured (18.3%) appearance. Large and contiguous and multisite and non-contiguous lesions comprised 57.1% (24/42) and 35.7% (15/42) of PVL cases, respectively. 19.1% had prominent erythema (erythroleukoplakia). The most common histopathological diagnosis at first visit was hyperkeratosis without dysplasia (22/42; 56.4%). MT occurred in 71.4% patients after a median of 37 months [range: 1-210] from initial visit; erythroleukoplakia exhibited MT in 100% of cases. CONCLUSION: The generic term "proliferative leukoplakia (PL)" may be more appropriate than PVL because 18.3% were fissured and 22.7% erythematous. We also propose the term proliferative erythroleukoplakia to more accurately describe the subset of PL with prominent erythema, which had the highest MT rate.

[Surgical treatment of patients with oral leukoplakia]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie patsientov s leikoplakiei slizistoi obolochki rta.

The aim of the study was to elaborate lingual nerve sparing procedure of submandibular gland duct stones extraction. The study involved 43 patients with syalolithiasis treated in Oral Surgery Unit of Central Research Institute of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery in 2013-2015. It was shown that to prevent lingual nerve and artery injury submandibular salivary gland duct should be dissected to the level of obstruction thus allowing adequate visualization of anatomical correlations especially when removing stones from the distal part of the duct.

Betel nut chewing behaviour and its association with oral mucosal lesions and conditions in Ghaziabad, India.

PURPOSE: To assess the practices and behaviour among Betel nut users in Ghaziabad and to detect the clinically associated oral mucosal lesions and conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based survey was conducted in Ghaziabad among 332 betel nut users. Data on betel nut use was obtained through a self-administered questionnaire. Oral mucosal lesions and conditions were recorded using WHO criteria. RESULTS: Out of 332 betel nut users, 32.8% consumed Gutkha. 62.3% users used betel nut with tobacco. Most of the study population started chewing betel nut because of peer pressure and the habit started at the workplace or school. A majority found that there was no physical discomfort due to the habit. The significant oral diseases detected were oral leukoplakia in 11.7% and oral submucous fibrosis in 6.1% of individuals. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study revealed that 74.7% of the participants were current chewers. 30.4% of all participants had oral mucosal lesions and conditions.

[Methods of complex diagnostics of oral leukoplakia].

The problem of diagnostic of various forms of leukoplakia of the oral mucosa is reviewed IT is introduced a set of methods for diagnosis of the disease, including a clinical check up, evaluation of the data of optical coherence tomography, classical histological and immunohistochemical study to determine the neoplastic cell transformation of oral mucosa in the early stages of its development.

Análise histopatológica de lesões leucoqueratósicas da mucosa oral avaliadas pelos exames de luminescência, cromoscopia e microscopia confocal reflectante / Histological analysis identified and assessed by tests of luminescence, chromoendoscopy and confocal reflectance leukokeratosis lesions

O câncer de mucosa oral é um problema de saúde pública, com maior incidência em homens acima de 50 anos. Uma das manifestações clínicas mais precoces do câncer da mucosa oral são as lesões leucoqueratósica. O aspecto clínico não homogêneo e o tamanho maior de 200mm2, em mucosa não queratinizada como a do assoalho da boca e ventre da língua, são aspectos que implicam na possibilidade de evolução da lesão. A dificuldade do diagnóstico das lesões precoces está na seleção do local a ser biopsiado principalmente frente a lesões extensas e heterogêneas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar se a utilização do exame clínico juntamente com os métodos auxiliares de diagnóstico das lesões leucoqueratósica da mucosa oral (VELscope®, Azul de toluidina e Solução de lugol) contribui para uma maior precisão do diagnóstico de displasias nestas lesões quando comparado ao histopatológico. E, identificar os padrões morfológicos destas lesões quando avaliadas por meio da microscopia confocal reflectante. Foram selecionados 30 pacientes, maiores de 18 anos, portadores de lesão clínica compatível com leucoplasia oral triados no ambulatório da disciplina de Estomatologia Clínica da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo e que precisavam ser submetidos à biópsia para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico final. Foram realizados os testes de Azul de Toluidina, Solução de Lugol, VELscope®, microscopia confocal reflectante e posteriormente, a biópsia incisional para obtenção do diagnóstico final. Os pacientes incluídos possuíam média de idade 60,66 anos, sendo 70% (21/30) do gênero feminino e 30% (9/30) do gênero masculino. O tabagismo foi relatado por 16,7% (5/30) dos pacientes, sendo 60% (3/5) homens. A associação do tabagismo e etilismo foi relatada em 10% (3/30) dos pacientes, o tabagismo isoladamente por 6,6% (2/30) e o de etilismo por 3,3%(1/30)...

Cancer of the oral mucosa is a public health problem, with higher incidence in men above 50 years. One of the earliest manifestations of cancer of the oral mucosa lesions are leukokeratosis. The inhomogeneous clinical aspect and the larger size of 200mm2 in non-keratinized mucosa as the floor of the mouth and constipation of the tongue, are aspects that imply the possibility of evolution of the lesion. The difficulty of diagnosis of early lesions is in the selection of the site to be biopsied primarily against large and heterogeneous lesions. The objective of this research is to evaluate the use of clinical examination along with diagnostic aids leucoqueratósica of oral lesions (VELscope ®, Toluidine blue and Lugol solution) methods contributes to greater accuracy of diagnosis of dysplasia in these lesions when compared the histopathological. And identify the morphological patterns of these lesions when evaluated by reflectance confocal microscopy. 30 patients older than 18 years, with clinical lesion compatible with oral leukoplakia screened in the outpatient discipline of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of São Paulo and that needed to be biopsied to establish the final diagnosis were selected. Tests toluidine blue, Lugol's solution, VELscope ®, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and subsequently, incisional biopsy to obtain the final diagnosis were performed. Patients enrolled had a mean age 60.66 years, 70% (21/30) were female and 30% (9/30) were male. Smoking was reported by 16.7% (5/30) of patients, 60% (3/5) homens.A association of smoking and alcohol use was reported in 10% (3/30) of patients, smoking alone by 6.6% (2/30) and of alcoholism by 3.3% (1/30)...

Light sources used in evaluating oral leukoplakia: broadband white light versus narrowband imaging.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of using broadband white light (BWL) to observe morphologic appearance, narrow-band imaging (NBI) to observe intraepithelial microvasculature, and both BWL and NBI for the detection of high-grade dysplasia and carcinoma in oral leukoplakia. Among 317 patients (274 males and 43 females; aged 52.4±10.7 years), the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for detecting high-grade dysplasia and carcinomatous lesions based on morphologic appearances of BWL, and microvasculature patterns of NBI, were 39.12 (9.33-64.10), and 97.16 (38.19-247.21), respectively, which were significantly better than BWL (p<1×10(-15)). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of use of traditional BWL classification, NBI classification, and combined BWL and NBI classification for detecting high-grade dysplasia and carcinomatous lesions were 96.30, 60.08, 33.12, 98.75, 66.25, 39.92, and 3.70%; 87.04, 93.54, 73.44, 97.23, and 92.43%; and 100.00, 60.08, 33.96, 100.00, and 66.88%, respectively. In conclusion, the diagnostic accuracy by NBI classification of oral leukoplakia based on the intraepithelial microvasculature patterns is significantly better than BWL indicating that NBI is a promising non-invasive tool in detecting high-grade dysplasia and carcinomatous lesions in oral leukoplakia.

Urban legends series: oral leukoplakia.

To date, the term oral leukoplakia (OL) should be used to recognize 'predominantly white plaques of questionable risk, having excluded (other) known diseases or disorders that carry no increased risk of cancer'. In this review, we addressed four controversial topics regarding oral leukoplakias (OLs): (i) Do tobacco and alcohol cause OLs?, (ii) What percentage of OLs transform into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)?, (iii) Can we distinguish between premalignant and innocent OLs?, and (iv) Is proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) a specific entity or just a form of multifocal leukoplakia? Results of extensive literature search suggest that (i) no definitive evidence for direct causal relationship between smoked tobacco and alcohol as causative factors of OLs, (ii and iii) the vast majority of OLs follow a benign course and do not progress into a cancer, and no widely accepted and/or validated clinical and/or biological factors can predict malignant transformation, and (iv) the distinction between multifocal/multiple leukoplakias and PVL in their early presentation is impossible; the temporal clinical progression and the high rate of recurrences and development of cancer of PVL are the most reliable features for diagnosis.

The relevance of uniform reporting in oral leukoplakia: definition, certainty factor and staging based on experience with 275 patients.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the definition of oral leukoplakia, proposed by the WHO in 2005 and taking into account a previously reported classification and staging system, including the use of a Certainty factor of four levels with which the diagnosis of leukoplakia can be established. In the period 1997-2012 a hospital-based population of 275 consecutive patients with a provisional diagnosis of oral leukoplakia has been examined. In only 176 patients of these 275 patients a firm diagnosis of leukoplakia has been established based on strict clinicopathological criteria. The 176 patients have subsequently been staged using a classification and staging system based on size and histopathologic features. For use in epidemiological studies it seems acceptable to accept a diagnosis of leukoplakia based on a single oral examination (Certainty level 1). For studies on management and malignant transformation rate the recommendation is made to include the requirement of histopathologic examination of an incisional or excisional biopsy, representing Certainty level 3 and 4, respectively. This recommendation results in the following definition of oral leukoplakia: "A predominantly white lesion or plaque of questionable behaviour having excluded, clinically and histopathologically, any other definable white disease or disorder". Furthermore, we recommend the use of strict diagnostic criteria for predominantly white lesions for which a causative factor has been identified, e.g. smokers' lesion, frictional lesion and dental restoration associated lesion.

Keratin 10-positive orthokeratotic dysplasia: a new leucoplakia-type precancerous entity of the oral mucosa.

AIMS: We investigated a group of oral mucosal lesions with characteristic hyperorthokeratotic foci, which we termed orthokeratotic dysplasia (OKD), to determine if it could be identified as a distinct histopathological entity. METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened 282 surgical specimens from 200 patients with oral leucoplakia-type squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or carcinoma in situ (CIS). OKD was defined as an oral mucosal lesional focus in which hyperorthokeratosis was predominant in the presence of the granular cell layer. A total of 84 OKD foci from 62 cases found among the 200 SCC/CIS cases were analysed. According to its rete ridge shapes, OKD was classified into three subtypes: flat (14.3%), leg (63.1%) and intermediate (22.6%). Eighty per cent of OKD foci were adjacent to the main foci of SCC or CIS, and they were demarcated sharply from each other. Most of the OKD constituent cells were immunopositive for keratin 10, but not for keratins 13, 17 or 19. Numbers of Ki-67-positive cells in the first basal layer were greater in OKD than in normal epithelia. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that OKD is a distinct variant of epithelial dysplasia related to malignancies, and hence that it is important to recognize its existence.

Oral premalignant lesions: from a clinical perspective.

In this review article, the clinical and histopathological characteristics of oral premalignant lesions, and primarily oral leukoplakia, are noted and the risk factors for malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia are discussed. Malignant transformation rates of oral leukoplakia range from 0.13 to 17.5%. The risk factors of malignant transformation in the buccal mucosa and labial commissure are male gender with chewing tobacco or smoking in some countries such as India, or older age and/or being a non-smoking female in other countries. Some authors have reported that leukoplakia on the tongue or the floor of the mouth showed a high risk of malignant transformation, although others have found no oral subsites at high risk. In concurrence with some authors, the authors of this review view epithelial dysplasia as an important risk factor in malignant transformation; however, there are conflicting reports in the literature. Many authors believe that nonhomogeneous leukoplakia is a high risk factor without exception, although different terms have been used to describe those conditions. The large size of lesions and widespread leukoplakia are also reported risk factors. According to some studies, surgical treatment decreased the rate of malignant transformation; however, many review articles state that no definitive treatment including surgery can decrease the malignant transformation rate of oral leukoplakia because of the lack of randomized control trials of treatment. Tobacco chewing and smoking may be causative agents for cancerization of oral leukoplakia in some groups, and evidence for a role of human papilloma virus in the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia is inconsistent. Further research to clarify its role in malignant transformation is warranted.

[Potentially malignant disorders of the oral mucosa: terminology and classification]. / Affections potentiellement malignes de la muqueuse buccale: nomenclature et classification.

The last WHO expert workgroup recommended abandoning the distinction between potentially malignant lesions and conditions. The term to use is "potentially malignant disorders". Leukoplakia is the most common of these disorders, while erythroplakia is rather rare. The diagnosis is still made by excluding other documented white or red lesions. Despite progress in molecular biology, no marker allows predicting malignant transformation. These lesions are treated surgically with or without dysplasia. It is unknown if this surgery can really prevent transformation into squamous cell carcinoma. The potential malignancy of oral lichen planus is still debated. The risk of malignant transformation is lower than that of leukoplakia. No treatment may prevent this. Other potentially malignant conditions such as oral submucous fibrosis, actinic cheilitis, lupus, and immunodeficiency are rare.

Morphometric computer-assisted image analysis of oral epithelial cells in normal epithelium and leukoplakia.

BACKGROUND: There are very few studies documenting morphometric parameters of normal oral mucosa and leukoplakia. The present study was undertaken to establish the morphometric parameters of the parabasal and spinous cells of normal oral epithelium. Analysis of changes occurring in these cells in leukoplakia was also done. METHODS: This study was conducted on tissue sections of clinically normal oral mucosa and leukoplakia. Morphometric analysis was done for parabasal and spinous cells. Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Morphometric parameters were greater in the spinous cells than in parabasal cells in normal oral mucosa. Leukoplakia showed greater cellular and nuclear parameters than normal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Normal oral epithelium showed site-wise difference in cell and nuclear measurements. Nuclear parameters showed a statistically significant change than cellular parameters in dysplasia. These changes were expressed in the earliest stage of transformation to dysplasia.

[Leukoplakia and erythroplakia--two orale precursor lesions]. / Leukoplakie und Erythroplakie--Zwei orale Präkursorläsionen.

The oral leukoplakia/erythroplakia is one of the most common epithelial precursor lesions of the oral squamous cell carcinoma. A clinical distinction is drawn between homogeneous and non-homogeneous as well as proliferative verrucous leukoplakia and erythroplakia. Due to the fact that the oral squamous cell carcinoma has a poor prognosis it is very important to decrease morbidity and mortality by systematic primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of the oral leukoplakia/erythroplakia. On the basis of histological classification systems the risk of malignant transformation can be evaluated, a defined therapy can be induced and the prognosis can be derived.