Surgical treatment of oral leukoplakia in tongue by using high-power diode laser: a case report

• Published in: Lasers in dental science 2023-06, Vol.7 (2), p.91-95
• Main Authors: de Freitas, Gustavo Araújo, Silva, Diego Filipe Bezerra, da Cunha Araujo, Felipe Rafael, da Silva Filho, Tiago João, Nonaka, Cassiano Francisco Weege, de Castro Gomes, Daliana Queiroga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum; Biopsy; Carbon dioxide; Case Report; Case reports; Dentistry; Lasers; Medicine; Optical Devices; Optics; Oral cancer; Photonics; Smoking; Surgery
• ISSN: 2367-2587; 2367-2587
• DOI: 10.1007/s41547-023-00183-4

Purpose The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of oral leukoplakia (OL) treated with high-power diode laser and discuss aspects related to its clinical and histopathological characteristics. Case report A 61-year-old male, non-white, smoker, and alcoholic patient, presented for evaluation of an asymptomatic lesion in the tongue. On intraoral physical examination, a white plaque located on the tongue border on the left side was observed, measuring approximately 4.0 × 2.0 cm, with well-defined contours and irregular borders. After the clinical diagnosis of OL, an incisional biopsy was performed. In view of the histopathological diagnosis of mild dysplasia, it was decided to completely remove the lesion by using a high-power diode laser (808 nm; 2.5 W; continuous mode) in two surgical stages, whose diagnoses were, respectively, mild and moderate dysplasia. After 3 months, the lesion recurred, and microscopic findings revealed severe dysplasia. The patient has been followed up for 14 months, without evidence of new recurrence or malignant transformation. Conclusion Therefore, the high-power diode laser allowed for the safe and effective removal of an extensive OL without intraoperative bleeding and promoted satisfactory healing in the expected period, without adverse effects on adjacent tissues.