-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
leukoplakia
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: A potentially precancerous lesion in the mouth anywhere on the oral mucosa recognized as an adherent white patch that cannot be determined to be any other disease.

etiology: Leukoplakia generally arises in response to chronic irritation to the oral mucosa. Factors implicated include tobacco; alcohol; poorly fitted dentures; spicy foods; sharp or worn-down teeth; vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins A and B-complex; and syphilis. Hormonal changes and candida are also associated with leukoplakia but the relationship is unclear. Leukoplakia histologically shows hyperkeratosis, hyperplasia, and acanthosis. Nodular leukoplakia has a higher association of developing into a malignant lesion than the homogenous type.

Leukoplakia is typically seen in men between 40-70 years old, and is also seen in the immunodepressed, such as AIDS patients.

signs and symptoms

• Common sites: Palate, floor of the mouth (highest incidence of developing into cancer), tongue (especially the sides), buccal and alveolar mucosa.
• White, well-circumscribed, small lesions to generalized lesions in the mouth.
• Smooth and flat to thick, nodular, and firm.
• May be "hairy" on tongue.

lab findings:
all leukoplakic lesions should be biopsied

course and prognosis

Irritants should be removed to prevent new lesion development. Conventional treatment is to excise or cauterize lesions.

differential diagnosis

• Candida.
• Lichen planus.
• Pachyderma oralis.


footnotes