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Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia manifests as thick white patches that appear on the inner surfaces of the mouth.

With leukoplakia, thick white patches form on the gums, inside the cheekbones, on the underside of the mouth, and sometimes on the tongue. Patches can be removed by scraping.

Doctors don't know what causes leukoplakia, but they consider chronic tobacco irritation, whether smoked, moistened, or chewed, to be the main cause of its development.

While most leukoplakia patches are not cancerous (they are benign), some have early signs of cancer. Some cancers of the lower part of the mouth can occur near the foci of leukoplakia. And white foci mixed with red foci (mottled leukoplakia) may indicate the potential for cancer to appear. Therefore, it is best to consult your dentist or primary care professional if you have unusual and persistent changes in your mouth.

A type of leukoplakia called 'hairy leukoplakia', sometimes also called 'oral hairy leukoplakia', primarily affects people whose immune system has been weakened by disease, especially HIV or AIDS.

Symptoms

Leukoplakia usually occurs on the gums, the inside of the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth (under the tongue), and sometimes on the tongue. It is not usually painful and can go unnoticed for a time.

Leukoplakia can occur:

As white or grayish patches that do not disappear when cleaning the area

With flat or irregular texture

As thickened or hardened areas

Along with red, bulging lesions (mottled leukoplakia or erythroplasia), which are more likely to show precancerous changes

Hairy leukoplakia

Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or bumps, usually on the sides of the tongue. It is often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection characterized by clear, creamy white patches that is also common in people with a weakened immune system.

When to see the doctor

Although leukoplakia is not usually uncomfortable, it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition.

Check with your dentist or primary care professional if you have any of the following symptoms:

White plaques or mouth sores that do not heal on their own within two weeks

White, red, or dark bumps or patches in the mouth

Persistent changes in the tissues of the mouth

Earache when swallowing

Progressive reduction of the ability to open the mouth

Causes

Although the cause of leukoplakia is unknown, chronic irritation, such as that caused by tobacco use, whether in cigarettes or chewing tobacco, is believed to be the responsible factor in most cases. Frequent users of smokeless tobacco products often have leukoplakia where they hold tobacco against their cheeks sooner or later.

Other causes of chronic irritation are:

Irregular, broken or sharp teeth that rub against the surface of the tongue

False or broken dentures

Long-term alcohol use

The dentist can talk to you about the possible cause of leukoplakia in your case.

Hairy leukoplakia

Hairy leukoplakia occurs from an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). If you have contracted EBV infection, the virus remains in the body for life. Normally, the virus is inactive, but if your immune system is weakened, especially due to HIV or AIDS, the virus can become active again, causing diseases such as hairy leukoplakia.

Risk factor's

Tobacco use, especially smokeless tobacco, poses a high risk of contracting leukoplakia and oral cancer. Long-term alcohol consumption increases the risk, and the combination of alcoholic beverages and smoking increase it further.

Hairy leukoplakia

People with HIV / AIDS are particularly prone to hairy leukoplakia. Despite the fact that the use of antiretroviral drugs has reduced the number of cases, hairy leukoplakia still affects some people with HIV positive and could be one of the first signs of HIV infection.

Complications

Leukoplakia generally does not cause permanent damage to the tissues of the mouth. However, leukoplakia increases the risk of developing oral cancer. Different types of oral cancer often form near the leukoplakia patches, and the patches themselves can show cancerous changes. Even after the leukoplakia patches are removed, the risk of getting oral cancer continues.

Hairy leukoplakia

Hairy leukoplakia is unlikely to cause cancer, but it may be an indication of HIV infection or AIDS.

Prevention

You may be able to prevent leukoplakia by avoiding all tobacco-based products or alcohol consumption. Talk to your doctor about methods to help you quit smoking. If you continue to smoke or chew tobacco, or drink alcohol, get frequent dental checkups. Oral cancers are usually painless until they are quite advanced, so quitting smoking and alcohol is one of the best prevention strategies.

Hairy leukoplakia

If you have a weakened immune system, you may not be able to prevent hairy leukoplakia, but identifying it at an early stage can help you receive appropriate treatment.

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