Potentially malignant disordersThe case for intervention

Potentially malignant disorders (PMD) are recognisable mucosal conditions preceding invasive squamous carcinoma development. Established oral cancer remains a lethal and deforming disease, with a rising incidence. Management techniques for identifiable oral precursor lesions have traditionally been polarised between observational and interventional surgical techniques. By defining salient management goals for treating potentially malignant disease, and examining the evidence supporting the efficacy of treatment intervention, this paper presents the case for interventional laser surgery as a definitive diagnostic and treatment modality.