hyperkeratosis is not a mandatory precursor to malignancy. It happens for all kinds of reasons that are benign, irritation of a rough filling against the adjacent soft tissue with cause hyperkeratosis, or a toughening of the tissue to protect itself. This isn't something that is a known indicator of an oncoming negative event. it just is what it is. This doesn't mean you shouldn't watch the area for other developments, but by itself I wouldn't concern myself too much with this.

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.