Aktuelle WHO-Klassifikation der oralen potenziell malignen Erkrankungen (OPMD)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma usually develops through precursor lesions, which the World Health Organization (WHO) classification lists and describes as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). In the new edition of the classification, which was published online as a beta version in early 2022 and is expected to be published as a print version in early 2024, numerous conceptual changes and in-depth clarifications are included that will be described in this article. For a deeper understanding, various hypotheses on the molecular pathogenesis of carcinoma development are also outlined and their implications for the diagnosis of precursor lesions discussed. As the morphologically crucial indicator lesion, oral epithelial dysplasia, including its classification and prognosis, is described. Finally, special subtypes, such as lichenoid dysplasia and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, are presented in critical context with the current literature.