Leukoplakia patches often appear on the tongue, inside the cheeks, gums and/or roof or floor of the mouth.
Most leukoplakia patches are noncancerous (benign), though some show early signs of mouth cancer.
Mouth cancers on the bottom of the mouth can occur next to areas of leukoplakia and white areas mixed in with red areas (speckled leukoplakia) may indicate the potential for cancer.
A white patch in your mouth that does not go away (with in two weeks) or if one feels one has unusual, persistent changes in your mouth should be checked by a dentist or Medical doctor.
It can also occur on the lips, vagina, vulva and anus.
Once you’ve been infected with EBV, the virus remains in your body for life. Normally, the virus is dormant, however it can be reactivated due to a weakened immune system.
It causes fuzzy white patches, often on the sides of the tongue, that look folded or ridged.
They are not painful and cannot be brushed or scraped away.
Antiviral medications or topical ointments containing retinoic acid treatments applied directly to the patch, it may be prescribed to treat hairy leukoplakia to reduce the size however it won’t fully go away.
Unlike other types of leukoplakia, hairy leukoplakia does not carry a risk of mouth cancer.
If in vulva, vaginal area it may lead to vaginal cancer
Some women may develop leukoplakia on the outside of their genitals in the vulva area as well as inside the vagina. This is usually seen in menopausal women.
It’s a benign condition.
If there is concern about anything more serious, you should contact your doctor.
Keep your mouth and teeth healthy by taking care of your teeth and gums
Have regular dental check-ups
If one wear dentures, make sure they fit properly
Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Eating antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, pumpkin and carrots. Antioxidants may help deactivate irritants that cause patches.
Patches can be removed by using laser therapy, a scalpel, or a freezing procedure and is sometimes needed to remove the patch if there’s a risk it could become cancerous.
Even after leukoplakia patches are removed, the risk of oral cancer remains.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Leukoplakia in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
