West China Journal of Stomatology ›› 2025, Vol. 43 ›› Issue (3): 314-324.doi: 10.7518/hxkq.2025.2024427

• Special Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Progress in clinicopathological diagnosis of oral potentially malignant disorders

Cui Yingying1,2(), Ding Chuanyang1,2(), Peng Chaoran2, Zhang Jianyun2, Cai Xinjia1(), Li Tiejun2()   

  1. 1.Central Laboratory, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
    2.Dept. of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center of Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Laboratory for Digital and Material Technology of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China
  • Received:2024-11-26 Revised:2025-03-20 Online:2025-06-01 Published:2025-06-10
  • Contact: Cai Xinjia,Li Tiejun E-mail:cyy1633488108@163.com;yangfreefei@163.com;caixinjia1994@163.com;litiejun22@vip.sina.com
  • Supported by:
    Innovative Unit Project for Precise Pathological Diagnosis of Oral and Maxillofacial Tumors, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(2019-I2M-5-038);Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(GZB20240038);Beijing Research Association for Chronic Diseases Control and Health Education, Zhongguancun Talent Association Medical Field “Future Talent” Training Program(MBRC0012025013)

Abstract:

As the field of oral pathology has evolved, the nomenclature and classification of oral mucosal diseases with a remarkable risk of malignant transformation have undergone several modifications. In 2005, the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the concept of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) as an alternative to the terms for oral precancerous lesions and precancerous conditions. In the consensus report by the WHO Collaborating Center for Oral Cancer of 2021, OPMD is defined as “any oral mucosal abnormality that is associated with a statistically increased risk of developing oral cancer.”This definition encompasses a range of conditions, in-cluding oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, and other lesions. In light of the complex etiology, unclear pathogenesis, and carcinogenesis of OPMDs, early and precise diagnosis and treatment can contribute to the secondary prevention of oral cancer. For this reason, this review, which aims to provide a basis for the precise clinical diagnosis of OPMDs, was performed. Its aim was achieved by reviewing the historical evolution and research progress of the nomenclature, classification, and histopathological diagnostic criteria of OPMDs.

Key words: oral potentially malignant disorders, oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, oral lichen planus

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