Potentially premalignant disorder/lesion versus potentially premalignant patient: Relevance in clinical care

Abstract

This communication presents a discussion of patient risk factors and outcomes for potentially malignant and malignant lesions in contrast to lesion assessment and lesion management. The shift in consideration may have implications for research and clinical intervention. This compact review discusses several local and systemic components that contribute to the development of malignant changes and discusses whether patients instead of lesions should be defined as having a potentially premalignant condition.

Keywords: Malignancy; Oral carcinogenesis; Oral mucosa; Oral premalignant conditions.