Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia refers to white patches that develop in your mouth. These white patches may show up on the insides of your cheeks, on or under your tongue, or on your gums. Leukoplakia can also develop on the outside of the female genitalia (vulva ). In rare cases, it can occur in the area around the anus.
Leukoplakia usually goes away with treatment. In some cases, leukoplakia can indicate an increased risk of cancer.
CAUSES
Some of the many conditions that can cause or increase the risk of leukoplakia in the mouth include:
• Any type of tobacco use, especially when combined with the use of alcohol.
• Irritation of the mouth from rough teeth or dentures.
• Having a weakened immune system, such as occurs with HIV/AIDS or …show more content…
Some areas may be reddened.
• Unable to be wiped or scraped away.
• Fuzzy.
• Sensitive to touch, heat, or spicy or acidic foods.
DIAGNOSIS
Leukoplakia has a distinct appearance, so your health care provider can usually make a diagnosis by closely examining the affected area. A sample of the white patch may be removed (biopsy) and examined under a microscope. This helps confirm the diagnosis and make sure that it is not a form of cancer.
TREATMENT
Treatment for leukoplakia may include:
• Stopping tobacco use.
• Repairing any rough teeth or dentures.
• Surgical removal of the patch. This may be done using a surgical knife (scalpel), laser, heat, or cold.
• Medicines that can be taken by mouth.
• Medicines that can be applied to the patches.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Check with your dentist to see if you need any repairs to teeth or dentures.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Avoid foods or beverages that seem to irritate the leukoplakia.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You develop new patches of
Leukoplakia refers to white patches that develop in your mouth. These white patches may show up on the insides of your cheeks, on or under your tongue, or on your gums. Leukoplakia can also develop on the outside of the female genitalia (vulva ). In rare cases, it can occur in the area around the anus.
Leukoplakia usually goes away with treatment. In some cases, leukoplakia can indicate an increased risk of cancer.
CAUSES
Some of the many conditions that can cause or increase the risk of leukoplakia in the mouth include:
• Any type of tobacco use, especially when combined with the use of alcohol.
• Irritation of the mouth from rough teeth or dentures.
• Having a weakened immune system, such as occurs with HIV/AIDS or …show more content…
Some areas may be reddened.
• Unable to be wiped or scraped away.
• Fuzzy.
• Sensitive to touch, heat, or spicy or acidic foods.
DIAGNOSIS
Leukoplakia has a distinct appearance, so your health care provider can usually make a diagnosis by closely examining the affected area. A sample of the white patch may be removed (biopsy) and examined under a microscope. This helps confirm the diagnosis and make sure that it is not a form of cancer.
TREATMENT
Treatment for leukoplakia may include:
• Stopping tobacco use.
• Repairing any rough teeth or dentures.
• Surgical removal of the patch. This may be done using a surgical knife (scalpel), laser, heat, or cold.
• Medicines that can be taken by mouth.
• Medicines that can be applied to the patches.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not use any tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or electronic cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
• Check with your dentist to see if you need any repairs to teeth or dentures.
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Avoid foods or beverages that seem to irritate the leukoplakia.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You develop new patches of