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?
The exact cause of leukoplakia is not known. But long-term irritation from tobacco use — smoked and smokeless — appears to be strongly related to many cases. Often, regular users of smokeless tobacco products get leukoplakia in places where they hold the tobacco between their gums and cheeks.
Feb 15, 2024
Does leukoplakia mean cancer?
The presence of leukoplakia does not necessarily mean cancer. The risk of developing oral cancer depends on how different the abnormal cells are in shape, size and appearance compared to normal mouth cells. This abnormality is called dysplasia.
How do I get rid of leukoplakia in my mouth?
Management and Treatment
Healthcare providers treat leukoplakia by removing the patches in your mouth. They may remove the patches with a scalpel.
How can you tell the difference between oral thrush and leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia tends to present with no symptoms other than the appearance of white or grey lesions while thrush can cause throat and mouth pain. Unlike leukoplakia, you may be able to remove oral thrush lesions by scraping and brushing. Leukoplakia Symptoms: White or greyish patches in your mouth that can't be removed.
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.
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 ...
Aug 26, 2023 · Leukoplakia are white patches on the tongue, in the mouth, or on the inside of the cheek.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Leukoplakia describes white patches on the roof of the mouth, tongue, and gums. They are typically harmless, although some doctors think they are ...
