Detection of clinical changes, such as erosions or nodule formation, warrants a biopsy. Oral brush biopsy may be helpful to detect dysplasia. Counsel patients against tobacco use. Advise patients to avoid alcohol use. Advise patients to eat a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dysplasia currently appears to be the best predictor of malignant potential.
Malignant change appears to be more frequent among nonsmokers. However, many innocuous leukoplakias are not always followed up in some centers and the studies often small. Up to thirty percent of leukoplakias can regress if habits are stopped. Early treatment is indicated, and complicating factors should be excluded. Oral epithelial dysplasia and the development of invasive squamous cell carcinoma.