The profile of chronic hyperplastic candidiasis: a clinico-pathological study

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Oncology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) and leukoplakia are common oral lesions.
• Understanding their malignant transformation potential is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical presentation, systemic factors, and long-term malignant transformation rates of CHC versus leukoplakia without dysplasia.
• To identify factors associated with these oral lesions and their outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case-controlled study of 116 patients diagnosed between 2000-2013.
• Inclusion of CHC and leukoplakia without dysplasia groups.
• Long-term follow-up (up to 2022) for oral malignant transformation, analyzing clinical and microscopic data.

Main Results:

• CHC lesions were less frequently white and more often ulcerated or exophytic than leukoplakia.
• CHC group had a higher prevalence of head and neck malignancy history, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune-related conditions.
• Malignant transformation rates were low and similar in both groups (3.2% for CHC, 3.7% for leukoplakia).

Conclusions:

• Immune-related conditions, prior head and neck malignancy, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may predispose to CHC.
• CHC exhibits a low malignant transformation rate, comparable to leukoplakia without dysplasia.
• The observed transformation rate for CHC is lower than anticipated.