Oral leukoplakia--rationale for diagnosis and prognosis of its clinical subtypes or "phases".

The precancerous nature of the most common of chronic oral mucosal lesions, leukoplakia, is much better understood now than at any time since it was first brought to professional attention by Sir James Paget 143 years ago. Clinical research from the past decade now allows confident identification of high-risk features of oral leukoplakias and of those persons affected by them. This paper summarizes current understanding of this important disease and provides practical suggestions for appropriate management and classification of its various subtypes or "phases."