Carcinoma in situ in a patient with erythroleukoplakia: challenges in the diagnosis and in the therapeutic choice / Carcinoma in situ in erythroleukoplakia

ABSTRACT

A 41-year-old Caucasian male smoker presented a red and white plaque on the left jugal mucosa suggestive of oral erythroleukoplakia (OEL). Biopsy followed by microscopic examination revealed carcinoma in situ. Since OEL is considered a precancerous lesion with a high malignant transformation potential, the present case set out to discuss the challenges in diagnosing the condition and choosing the most appropriate treatment. The discussion deals with issues such as whether there is a limit for choosing either a radical or a more conservative approach to treatment and the importance of using a procedure that allows a microscopic examination of the entire lesion. Carcinoma in situ associated with OEL made the treatment planning even more complex in the present case. In order to avoid a mutilating approach, multiple excisions with safety margins were performed, and the patient was instructed not to smoke. A strict 12-month follow-up shows no signs of recurrence of the OEL... (AU)