Oral Leukoplakia Treatment Using Thulium Laser: Report of 17 Cases

Objectives: Leukoplakia is the the most common premalignant lesion of the oral cavity. They have a potential for mucosal growth and malignant transformation. Subsequent management of such lesions includes observation, excision, ablation, or topical medical therapies. Laser treatment is well described for management of premalignant lesions and has potential advantages over surgical excision. Different types of lasers with various wavelengths are described in the literature for lesion ablation, and their impact on surrounding tissues is discussed. The aim of this study is presenting our experience of leukoplakia treatment using Thulium laser RevoLix.

Methods: Seventeen cases of oral leukoplakia were diagnosed in <>№ 1 Universtiy Hospital complex from the period of 2016-2018 years. All patients were operated under local anesthesia. Two micron wavelength RevoLix Thulium laser with voltage in the range of 5–7 W in focused mode was applied for lesions excision and ablation surgical technique. This wavelength is absorbed in any tissue by the ubiquitous water molecule.

The rate of wound healing was taken each 1, 3, 7, 14 postoperative days. Indications were followed up for pain, infection, bleeding and appearance of healing in the treated area.

Results: There was no bleeding in time or after procedure. The smooth pain and sensory disturbance occurs in the first three postoperation days. Feeding and comfort of the patients were recovered after procedure. The mean follow-up period was 12.6 months. There was not recurrence or malignancy observed in this patients group. The wound healing processes run smoothly.

Conclusion: Thulium laser may be a promising instrument for oral leukoplakia treatment. Farther randomized and controlled longitudinal studies with long-term follow-up are needed to better characterize the efficacy of thulium laser treatment modalities for oral leukoplakia.