Potentially Malignant Oral Disorders: Risk Factors and p16 INK4a Expression

Abstract

The incidence of potentially malignant oral disorders (PMODs) of the oral cavity has risen in recent years, necessitating the identification of both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, as well as infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. These have become the subject of numerous studies aimed at determining which patients are at increased risk of progressing to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of this review was to identify the major risk factors described for PMODs and to evaluate the research conducted on the role of p16 INK4a immunohistochemical staining in the progression of these lesions. A narrative review of the literature published in the last 50 years was conducted using the PUBMED, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases. Findings indicate that the incidence of disorders varies significantly by sex and age; the primary risk habits include chronic alcohol consumption and smoking. Finally, insufficient evidence was found to correlate high-risk HPV genotype infection and p16 INK4a immunohistochemical staining in determining which low-grade lesions will become malignant.