Definition

A group of conditions in which there are abnormal tissue changes in the mouth that may become cancer. These changes may include a lump, thickening, or abnormal patch of red and/or white tissue that forms on the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, or other areas in the mouth. There are many different types of oral potentially malignant disorders, but the most common types are leukoplakia and erythroplakia. Oral potentially malignant disorders may occur in people who have certain rare hereditary conditions, including dyskeratosis congenita, epidermolysis bullosa, xeroderma pigmentosum, and Plummer-Vinson syndrome. Having an oral potentially malignant disorder increases a person’s risk of developing oral cancer. Also called OPMD.