Leukoplakia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Leukoplakia is a common disease of the mouth. People with Leukoplakia usually have a white patch on their tongue or cheek, which cannot be rubbed off.

Leukoplakia can occur on any of the soft tissues of the mouth and is caused by irritation. The tongue is the most common site but the insides of the cheek may also be involved.

Leukoplakia occurs in less than 3% of people. Approximately 80% of patients with leukoplakia are over 40. It is twice as common in men than women.

The leukoplakia patches usually clear up a few weeks to months after the source of irritation has been taken away. Very rarely though, they may develop into mouth cancer and for this reason any areas of leukoplakia should be reviewed on a regular basis by your dentist.

People with HIV or AIDS may suffer from an unusual form of leukoplakia known as â€˜hairyâ€™ leukoplakia which shows as hairy white patches on the tongue.

People with leukoplakia have a slightly increased risk of mouth cancer.