A study of the clinical characteristics and treatment of oral carcinoma in situ.

Twelve patients with oral carcinoma in situ were examined to clarify the clinical features and the most suitable therapy for this lesion. Seven cases were classified clinically as the erythroplakic type, two as the leukoplakic type, and three as the mixed type. The cumulative survival rate of ten cases, excluding two cases with lesions of the soft palate, was 100% in 10 years. Of 12 lesions of oral carcinoma in situ 50% progressed into invasive carcinoma. Erythroplakic lesions of oral carcinoma in situ were more aggressive than the other two types. The most suitable therapy for this lesion is prompt surgical treatment.