Oral leukoplakia is a condition where thick, white patches form in the mouth. The patches may be on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks. Sometimes it can turn into cancer.

There are several types. Hairy leukoplakia is found in people with weak immune systems.

Causes

The exact cause is not known. This problem is often linked to long term irritation in the mouth. This may cause the cells to change and grow.

The condition may also be linked to certain viruses.

Risk Factors

Oral leukoplakia is more common in men after age 65. Other things that raise the risk are:

Smoking, including cigars and pipes
Using smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or snuff
Long-time alcohol use
Having a weakened immune system—a risk for hairy leukoplakia
Rough teeth
Rough places on dentures, fillings, or crowns
Having had Epstein-Barr virus

Symptoms

Symptoms of oral leukoplakia are patches on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks. They form over weeks or months. Patches may be:

White or gray, or have some red
Thick, slightly raised, or hardened on the surface
Sensitive to touch, heat, or spicy foods

There may be pain or signs of infection.

Hairy leukoplakia also has fuzzy white patches. They tend to be on the side of the tongue.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will examine the mouth. Most times, this is enough to make the diagnosis.

The doctor may also do a brush biopsy. Some cells will be taken from the mouth with a small brush. The cells will be tested. This is done to look for cancer or infections.

Treatment

Treatment options are:

Removing the irritant—such as quitting smoking or fixing dental problems. This often takes care of the problem.
Medicines such as:
- Ointments
- Mouthwashes
- Retinoids, vitamin A, beta carotene, or lycopene—taken by mouth
- Antiviral medicines—to treat viruses that may be causing the condition
Removing patches—if the problem lasts or could be cancer. This may be done with:
- Surgery
- Laser treatment
- Electrocauterization
- Freezing

Prevention

The risk may be lowered by:

Not using tobacco
Avoiding or limiting the use of alcohol
Seeing the dentist regularly

RESOURCES:

Mouth Healthy—American Dental Association
http://www.mouthhealthy.org

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Dental Association
http://www.cda-adc.ca

Dental Hygiene Canada
http://www.dentalhygienecanada.ca

References:

Hairy leukoplakia. DermNet NZ website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed February 19, 2021.

Head and neck cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/head-and-neck-cancer. Accessed February 19, 2021.

Leukoplakia. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed February 19, 2021.

Leukoplakia. NHS choices website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated January 15, 2015. Accessed February 19, 2021.

Oral leukoplakia. DermNet NZ website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed February 19, 2021.

Villa A, Sonis S. Oral leukoplakia remains a challenging condition. Oral Dis. 2018;24(1-2):179-183.

Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Mary Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated: 2/19/2021

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