Leukoplakia
Also called: smoker's keratosis
Thickened, white patches inside the mouth.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging rarely required
- Medium-term: resolves within months
Most leukoplakia patches are noncancerous, but some show early signs of cancer. They may be caused by tobacco products.
Thickened, white patches form on the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth, and, sometimes, the tongue. The patches can't be scraped off.
For most people, stopping tobacco or alcohol use clears the condition. In rare cases when patches are persistent, surgery can remove them.
Common: More than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
People also ask
What is the main cause of leukoplakia?
Alcohol and tobacco use are the top two risk factors for oral cancer. That's why leukoplakia is sometimes called “smoker's keratosis.” But leukoplakia can also be caused by ill-fitting prostheses, nightguards or dentures, or using very hard-bristled toothbrushes.
Sep 18, 2024
Can leukoplakia be cured?
Management and Treatment
Healthcare providers treat leukoplakia by removing the patches in your mouth. They may remove the patches with a scalpel. Other potential procedures include: Using a laser to remove the patches.
Will leukoplakia be cancer?
Most leukoplakia patches are not cancer. But some patches show early signs of cancer. Cancers in the mouth can occur next to areas of leukoplakia. White areas mixed with red areas, also called speckled leukoplakia, may possibly lead to cancer.
Feb 15, 2024
What are the 4 stages of leukoplakia?
L-Size of the lesion | P-Pathology |
STAGE I | L1P0 |
STAGE II | L2P0 |
STAGE III | L3P0 or L1L2P1 |
STAGE IV | L3P1 |
Feb 15, 2024 · Leukoplakia appears as thick, white patches on the inside surfaces of the mouth. It has several possible causes, including repeated injury or irritation.
Leukoplakia is a condition that creates white patches on your tongue, gums or the inside of your cheeks. The patches don't hurt but they don't go away.
What is leukoplakia? Symptoms, risk factors and treatment
www.mdanderson.org › Cancerwise › 2024 › 09
Sep 18, 2024 · Leukoplakia is the scientific name for abnormal white patches that develop inside the mouth. They can be a symptom of oral cancer or a pre- ...
May 15, 2024 · Leukoplakia is a white patch or patches in the mouth. If you have a white patch in your mouth that does not go away, get it checked by a dentist ...
Nov 8, 2023 · Leukoplakia, or white and gray patches inside the mouth, may be caused by irritation. Or the condition may be a sign of oral cancer.
Oral leukoplakia is a white patch or plaque that develops in the oral cavity. The condition is potentially malignant and is strongly associated with tobacco use ...
leu·ko·pla·ki·a
leu·ko·pla·ki·a/ˌlo͞okəˈplākēə/
noun
the presence of white patches on a mucous membrane, especially of the mouth.
Aug 26, 2023 · Leukoplakia are white patches on the tongue, in the mouth, or on the inside of the cheek.
May 11, 2019 · Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white or grayish patches form usually inside your mouth. Smoking is the most common cause.
What is oral leukoplakia? Oral leukoplakia (leuko=white, plakia=patch) is a white patch in the mouth that cannot be rubbed off and cannot be diagnosed.
Feb 15, 2024 · This mouth condition appears as thick, white patches on the gums, the cheeks and the bottom of the mouth that cannot be scraped off.
