Frictional (Traumatic) Keratosis
CLINICAL FEATURES
Frictional (traumatic) keratosis is defined as a white plaque with a rough and frayed surface that is clearly related to an identifiable source of mechanical irritation and that will usually resolve on elimination of the irritant. These lesions may occasionally mimic dysplastic leukoplakia; therefore, careful examination and sometimes a biopsy are required to rule out any atypical changes.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Frictional (traumatic) keratosis is defined as a white plaque with a rough and frayed surface that is clearly related to an identifiable source of mechanical irritation and that will usually resolve on elimination of the irritant. These lesions may occasionally mimic dysplastic leukoplakia; therefore, careful examination and sometimes a biopsy are required to rule out any atypical changes.
Histologically, such lesions show varying degrees of hyperkeratosis and acanthosis.Prevalence rates as high as 5.5% have been reported.Such lesions are similar to calluses on the skin. Traumatic keratosis has never been shown to undergo malignant transformation.
Lesions belonging to this category of keratosis include linea alba and cheek, lip, and tongue chewing. Frictional keratosis is frequently associated with rough or maladjusted dentures (Figure 5-2) and with sharp cusps and edges of broken teeth.
TREATMENT
Upon removal of the offending agent, the lesion should resolve within 2 weeks. Biopsies should be performed on lesions that do not heal to rule out a dysplastic lesion.