What is the recommended action for a patient with leukoplakia?

For a patient presenting with leukoplakia, the recommended action is to perform a biopsy. Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches or lesions in the oral cavity, which can be potentially precancerous. The significance of these lesions lies in their ability to harbor dysplasia or malignancy, making it essential to assess the type and nature of the tissue involved.

A biopsy allows for histopathological examination to determine whether the leukoplakia is benign, dysplastic, or indicative of squamous cell carcinoma. This evaluation is crucial because some forms of leukoplakia can evolve into cancer, and timely intervention can be life-saving.

Monitoring with follow-up is important for lesions that appear benign or that are identified as non-dysplastic, but if there is any suspicion of dysplasia or malignancy, a biopsy should be the prioritized action. Immediate extraction is not indicated, as removing the lesion without diagnosis could overlook a serious condition. Similarly, prescribing antibiotics is not relevant in this context, as leukoplakia is not an infection. Thus, in the presence of leukoplakia, performing a biopsy provides essential information for appropriate management and potential intervention.