American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon's Position Paper on Oral Mucosal Dysplasia

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) of the oral mucosa include leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral lichenoid lesions, each with varying incidences of dysplastic disease at the time of presentation and each with observed incidences of malignant transformation over time. The primary goal of the management of dysplasia, therefore, includes their early detection and treatment prior to malignant transformation. The recognition and management of these OPMDs and an understanding of their potential progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma will reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these lesions with expedient and properly executed treatment strategies that will have a positive effect on patient survival. It is the purpose of this position paper to discuss oral mucosal dysplasia in terms of its nomenclature, epidemiology, types, natural history, and treatment to acquaint clinicians regarding the timing of biopsy, type of biopsy, and follow-up of patients with these lesions of the oral mucosa. This position paper represents a synthesis of existing literature on this topic with the intention of closing gaps in our understanding of oral mucosal dysplasia while also stimulating new thinking to guide clinicians in the proper diagnosis and management of OPMDs. The fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of head and neck tumors published in 2022 represents new information regarding this topic and a construct for this position paper.