The disorder known as leukoplakia results in the formation of gray or white spots inside the mouth. Usually painless, these patches are impossible to remove with a scrape. Numerous conditions, including cancer, irritability, infections, and tobacco use, can result in leukoplakia. It is crucial to get leukoplakia examined and treated by a dentist or medical professional since it can occasionally be an early sign of oral cancer. We will go over leukoplakia's causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in this blog article.
The exact cause of leukoplakia is not known, but it is believed to be related to chronic irritation or inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth. Some of the possible causes or risk factors of leukoplakia are:
Tobacco use, such as smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco, which can expose the mouth to harmful chemicals and damage the cells lining the mouth.
Alcohol use, especially in combination with tobacco, which can increase the risk of leukoplakia and oral cancer.
Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly, or not visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings, which can allow plaque and bacteria to accumulate and irritate the mouth.
Ill-fitting dentures, braces, or other dental appliances, which can rub or press against the gums, cheeks, or tongue and cause friction or injury.
Hot or spicy foods, which can burn or inflame the mouth and trigger the formation of leukoplakia patches.
Infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or candida (yeast), which can affect the mouth and cause abnormal growth or changes in the cells.
Cancers, such as oral cancer or leukemia, which can cause leukoplakia as a symptom or a complication.
Leukoplakia usually does not cause any pain or discomfort, but it can affect the appearance and function of the mouth. The main symptom of leukoplakia is the presence of white or gray patches in the mouth, which can have the following characteristics:
They can vary in size, shape, and location, but they are usually found on the gums, cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth.
They can have a smooth, rough, or hairy texture, depending on the type of leukoplakia.
They can be flat or raised, and may have red or speckled areas within them.
They cannot be scraped off or removed by brushing or rinsing.
Some people may not notice or have any symptoms of leukoplakia, while others may experience:
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, due to the patches interfering with the movement of the mouth.
Altered taste or smell, due to the patches affecting the taste buds or the olfactory receptors.
Bleeding or infection, if the patches are scratched, bitten, or injured.
Leukoplakia can be diagnosed by a dentist or a doctor, who will examine the mouth and ask about the medical history and the possible risk factors of leukoplakia. To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as oral cancer, the dentist or doctor may perform the following tests:
Biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of tissue from the patch and sending it to a laboratory for microscopic analysis.
Blood tests, which can check for the presence of infections, such as HPV or EBV, or other diseases, such as leukemia, that may cause leukoplakia.
Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, which can provide detailed pictures of the mouth and the surrounding structures, and detect any signs of cancer or other abnormalities.
The course of treatment for leukoplakia is determined by the condition's etiology, kind, and severity as well as the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Eliminating or lessening the patches, treating any consequences, and keeping an eye out for any changes or recurrence of the illness are the major objectives of therapy. Leukoplakia therapy options include the following:
Medication, which can help treat the underlying infections, such as HPV or EBV, or reduce the inflammation and irritation of the mouth, such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Surgery, which can help remove the patches, especially if they are large, persistent, or suspicious of cancer, by using a scalpel, a laser, or an electric current.
Cryotherapy, which can help destroy the patches by freezing them with liquid nitrogen.
Photodynamic therapy, which can help kill the abnormal cells by applying a light-sensitive drug to the patches and then exposing them to a special light.
There is no sure way to prevent leukoplakia, but some steps that may help reduce the risk or recurrence of leukoplakia are:
Quitting or avoiding tobacco use, such as smoking or chewing tobacco, which can damage the cells and increase the risk of leukoplakia and oral cancer.
Limiting or avoiding alcohol use, especially in combination with tobacco, which can worsen the damage and increase the risk of leukoplakia and oral cancer.
Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, using a mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for check-ups and cleanings, which can keep the mouth clean and healthy and prevent infections and irritation.
Wearing properly fitted dentures, braces, or other dental appliances, which can prevent friction or injury to the mouth and reduce the risk of leukoplakia.
Eating a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants, which can boost the immune system and protect the cells from damage and inflammation.
Getting vaccinated against HPV, which can prevent the infection and reduce the risk of leukoplakia and oral cancer.
