Argon Plasma Coagulation Therapy for Oral Leukoplakia

Objective: To evaluate the clinical applicability of argon plasma coagulation therapy for oral leukoplakia. Patients and Methods: Twelve patients with oral leukoplakia were treated by argon plasma coagulation and examined clinicopathologically. Argon plasma coagulation was performed more than once inpatients with multiple or extensive lesions.Results: After argon plasma coagulation, the lesions completely disappeared. Postoperative scar formation was not observed. However, slight retraction of the attached gingiva occurred 4 weeks after argon plasma coagulation for gingival leukoplakia. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 47 months after operation. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence or malignant transformation.Conclusion: Argon plasma coagulation appears to be an effective treatment for oral leukoplakia. Key words: Electrocoagulation, Laser, Leukoplakia