Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia
Also written as: PVL — Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia
An aggressive, multifocal form of oral leukoplakia with a verrucous or papillary surface texture and a high rate of malignant transformation.
Full Definition
Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is a distinct and clinically aggressive form of leukoplakia characterised by multiple white plaques that spread over time, develop a verrucous or papillary texture, and carry a markedly higher risk of transformation to verrucous carcinoma or conventional oral squamous cell carcinoma compared with simple leukoplakia. PVL predominantly affects older women and is not strongly associated with tobacco use, distinguishing it epidemiologically from other leukoplakias. Editors must preserve the full three-word designation 'proliferative verrucous leukoplakia' and must not abbreviate it in first use without establishing the acronym PVL. It should not be conflated with ordinary leukoplakia or verrucous carcinoma.
Usage
Usage note: Expand PVL on first use. Not synonymous with ordinary leukoplakia or verrucous carcinoma; the multifocal, spreading nature and transformation rate are defining features.
In Context
- "The patient's multifocal white lesions, present across the gingiva and palate, were consistent with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL)." — Clinical case report
- "PVL must be documented with serial biopsy dates, as its malignant transformation rate can exceed 60% over ten years." — Longitudinal follow-up note