Pathology · single question
Which of the following is NOT typically seen in leukoplakia?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Frank neoplasia (malignancy)
- A. Dysplasia (mild to severe) can be present in leukoplakia and is a key reason for biopsy and surveillance.
- B. Acanthosis (thickening of the spinous/prickle cell layer) is commonly seen histologically in leukoplakia.
- C. Hyperkeratosis (thickening of the keratin layer) is the hallmark histological finding causing the white clinical appearance.
- D. Frank neoplasia (carcinoma) means the lesion has already undergone malignant transformation — at that point it is classified as squamous cell carcinoma, NOT leukoplakia. By definition, leukoplakia is a pre-malignant lesion without evidence of malignancy.