Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: an elusive disorder

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia (PVL) is a multifocal form of progressive leukoplakia with a high rate of malignant transformation that requires early recognition by oral health care providers for proper management.

PVL will frequently appear as an innocuous white lesion or lesions that can easily be overlooked or considered clinically insignificant, yet it has a high rate of malignant transformation. There is limited in-depth knowledge about the pathobiology of PVL. Oral health care providers lack familiarity with this lesion; consequently the intent of this article is to increase awareness of the clinical aspects of PVL.

Case reports, case series and review articles provide a profile of PVL.

It is essential that health care providers performing intraoral examinations are aware that PVL is a distinct and rare form of multifocal oral leukoplakia. PVL commonly affects females above the age of 62. Currently, little is known about its etiopathogenesis. Additionally, no specific treatment modality has proven to be effective in aborting its progression. Because of its high recurrence potential and relentless progression to squamous cell carcinoma, all recurrent and multifocal white lesions of the oral cavity should be viewed with suspicion.