Potential of photodynamic therapy as a minimally invasive treatment for oral verrucous carcinoma

Oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC) and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) share similar histological characteristics and may have a common origin. When they appear simultaneously, the risk of malignant transformation in PVL increases. In elderly patients with both conditions, a safe, effective, simple, and minimally invasive treatment is preferable. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a non-invasive treatment, utilizes specific wavelengths of light to activate photosensitizers, generating reactive oxygen species that selectively target malignant tissues with cytotoxic effects. This case report describes an elderly patient with coexisting extensive leukoplakia, PVL, and OVC, who achieved complete remission with no recurrence at 10 months following PDT. The treatment resulted in a satisfactory clinical outcome, preserving both the appearance and function of the oral cavity.