USE OF RETINOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA: review

Authors

  • Juliana Seo
  • Estevam Rubens Utumi
  • Camila Eduarda Zambon
  • Irineu Gregnanin Pedron
  • Marcelo Minharro Ceccheti

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/aor.v6i2.23179

Keywords:

Leukoplakia, Chemoprevention, Vitamin A, Tretinoin

Abstract


OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature regarding the topical use of the retinoids in the treatment of oral leukoplakia, discussing their mechanisms of action, indications, effectiveness, and adverse effects. DISCUSSION: Leukoplakia is defined as white lesion in oral mucous membrane that cannot be characterized as any other entity and it has potential for malignancy. It does not present specific histological pattern. Due to its potential for malignancy and high prevalence, dentists should know how to diagnose and treat it correctly. The retinoids are chemopreventive agents derived from the vitamin A. They could be either natural or synthetic and their main role is to suppress cellular mitosis. Retinoid derivatives have been used as agents for chemoprevention of malignant transformation of leukoplakias due to its potential effect on the control of the differentiation and proliferation of the epithelial cells, as well as their induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSION: The topical use of retinoids to treat oral leukoplakia is safe, convenient and effective, with minor side effects than the systemic administration.

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Published

2010-11-29

How to Cite

Seo, J., Utumi, E. R., Zambon, C. E., Pedron, I. G., & Ceccheti, M. M. (2010). USE OF RETINOIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA: review. Archives of Oral Research, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.7213/aor.v6i2.23179

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Section

Revisions