Abstract
Bleomycin (BLM) was locally administered by iontophoresis to treat a patient suffering from leukoplakia which developed on the back of the tongue. Except for erosion, no serious adverse effects were observed and the patient made favorable progress. The patient's clinical course is reported herein.
Case : a 37-year-old male
Present illness : Although the patient noticed leukoplakia on the back of the tongue in April 1992, he left it untreated because of the absence of disagreeable sensations including pain. The patient, however, recognized no improvement and was referred to this department for complete examination.
Oral cavity findings : V-shaped leukoderma with relatively clear margins was observed nearly in the center of the back of the tongue. The leukoplakia was slightly protruded on the back of tongue and its roughness was palpable.
Treatment and clinical course : With a diagnosis of leukoplakia, the patient received BLM local administration by iontophoresis from July 1992. A total of 9 sessions of iontophoresis was performed on 23 sites for 5 months. The clinical course was favorable and no recurrence was recognized. Therefore, BLM local administration by iontophoresis was proved to be effective therapy for leukoplakia.
