Rapid Progression of Oral Leukoplakia to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an HIV-Positive Patient: A Case Report

HIV patients are at an increased risk of developing head and neck cancers, particularly due to the immunocompromised state caused by the virus. This report aims to illustrate a case of a HIV-positive patient whose oral leukoplakia rapidly progressed into oral squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was initially referred to our Department of Oral Medicine and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, on May 17, 2024, due to the presence of an intraoral lesion. The examination revealed a white plaque lesion on his left buccal mucosa, which was subjected to biopsy. The histopathological examination showed a moderately dysplastic leukoplakia. The patient was advised to follow bimonthly checkups, and on July 9, 2024, he was reexamined. The second examination revealed an alteration of the clinical appearance of an exophytic mass, and the patient underwent a second biopsy. This time, the lesion was proven to be an early invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma, surrounded by moderately dysplastic leukoplakia. This case signifies the necessity of regular follow-ups in patients manifesting oral potentially malignant disorders. HIV-positive individuals necessitate proactive monitoring, due to the immunosuppression, in order to detect potentially malignant disorders and malignancies at an early, treatable stage.