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Oral Leukoplakia

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Oral Leukoplakia

(Oral Hairy Leukoplakia)

Definition

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

The goal of treatment is to remove the patches and treat any health issues that are causing them to form. 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:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Carcinoma in situ of oral cavity. DermNet NZ website. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/carcinoma-in-situ-of-oral-cavity.
  • Head and neck cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/head-and-neck-cancer.
  • Leukoplakia. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at: https://www.aocd.org/Leukoplakia.
  • Leukoplakia. NHS website. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leukoplakia.
  • Oral hairy leukoplakia. DermNet NZ website. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/oral-hairy-leukoplakia.
  • Villa, A. and Sonis, S. Oral leukoplakia remains a challenging condition. Oral Dis. 2018; 24 (1-2): 179-183.

Contributors

  • Mary Beth Seymour, RN
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.