Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is one of the oral leukoplakia forms. PVL is recognized and diagnosed based on the symptoms, which clearly indicate its presence in the oral cavity of patients.
The main PVL symptom is white patches inside the mouth which have a high probability of turning into cancerous development. PVL usually occurs on the cheeks and tongue, starting as a white plaque consisting of thickened skin which gradually transforms into rough lesions.
The lesions are progressive and, over time, become more complex to control. Additionally, the lesions often become cancerous, transforming into verrucous carcinoma. Another risk factor important for diagnosis is the primary demographic affected by PVL, which is elderly women.
Tobacco and alcohol contribute to the development of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Thus, based on the aforementioned elements, it is possible to diagnose a person with PVL.