The importance of diagnosing leukoplakia is that neglected lesions may eventually become squamous cell carcinomas. These lesions should be removed. This lesion looks similar to leukokeratosis, a wholly benign condition related to trauma or friction by dentures or lip biting of the buccal mucosa. Leukokeratosis reverts to normal once the cause is removed. This characteristic lesion is easily identified on examination and by palpation.
Wide excision is the treatment of choice.
This neoplasm may develop anywhere on the skin or mucus membranes but most commonly develops on sun damaged skin. Squamous cell carcinomas appearing in skin not exposed to sun have a greater tendency to metastasize than do those that arise in sun damaged skin, which almost never metastasize. Squamous cell cancer has developed in this chronic ulcer at the site of a previous burn. Such ulcers should be inspected frequently for evidence of neoplastic changes. The lesion is poorly circumscribed with irregular margins.