Leukoplakia of the Marginal Gingiva: A Report of Two Cases

IntroductionLeukoplakia of the marginal gingivae is uncommon and in most cases reported up to date represents a manifestation of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. The clinical and pathologic features of two cases of leukoplakia confined to the marginal gingiva are described and their biologic significance is discussed. Case PresentationThe cases involved two female patients, non-smokers, aged 82 and 57. The lesions clinically appeared as small, well-demarcated white plaques on the marginal gingiva of posterior teeth. After being totally excised, microscopic examination showed keratosis of unknown significance in the first patient and verrucous hyperplasia in the latter, while immunohistochemistry for p16(INK4A) was negative for both. There was no recurrence in 7 months and 5 months after excision, respectively. ConclusionA white plaque on the marginal gingiva may be overlooked due to its small size or may be misdiagnosed as frictional keratosis. However, it may represent leukoplakia, a potentially malignant disorder. Therefore, diagnosis and management should follow the established guidelines for leukoplakia.