Management of leukoplakia of palatal gingiva using free gingival graft

Oral leukoplakia is a frequently encountered oral potentially malignant disorder that, if left untreated, could progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Though the tongue and buccal mucosa are the most common sites to be affected, the involvement of palatal gingiva is relatively rare. It is usually associated with high recurrence rates and a higher tendency to undergo malignant transformation. Surgical excision of the lesion is considered the gold-standard treatment strategy. This case report describes a case of oral leukoplakia involving the palatal gingiva in a 71-year-old male having no deleterious oral habits. The lesion was treated using surgical excision, and the defect was repaired using a free gingival graft from the opposite palatal gingiva. Although no recurrence was noted till 2 years following surgery, the patient was advised to undergo regular monitoring.