Advances in Dental Research, Vol 9, 134-137, Copyright © 1995 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Early diagnosis and prevention of oral cancer and precancer: report of Symposium III
Oral precancer encompasses several conditions and lesions. Among those
entities included in the concept are leukoplakia, erythroplakia, lichen
planus, and submucous fibrosis. For prevention, knowledge about etiologic
and pathogenetic factors is imperative. It is well-known that excessive
consumption of tobacco and alcohol has a bearing on the development of oral
leukoplakia and probably also of erythroplakia. However, among
leukoplakias, the idiopathic or cryptogenic type probably shows the most
serious malignant potential. Involved in the development of such lesions
may be general nutritional aspects, e.g., proper utilization of vitamin A.
It is also well-known that iron deficiency has been linked to
Plummer-Vinson's syndrome, showing a precancerous trait. Among factors
involved in the pathogenesis of lichen planus is probably mental stress.
Thus, stress factors and related neurological components have been linked
to the immunological system. Lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, tobacco,
and alcohol, and also mental environment may be of importance for the
development of oral precancer and cancer.
