Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white patches are formed, on the gums and inside the cheek, at the bottom of mouth and sometimes on tongue. These patches cannot be removed easily from their position.
Leukoplakia is not a serious situation itself but it can be treated as the beginning of cancer.
Causes Of Leukoplakia:
The causes of this disease are not yet known but some of them are:
- Tobacco intake in long run is main factor.
- Alcohol intake in abundance regularly.
- Mechanical irritants such as rough fillings or dentures.
- Smoking is the major cause of this disease.
- Snuff could also one of the reasons.
Symptoms Of Leukoplakia:
Leukoplakia is found in various shapes. It is found on gums, inside cheeks on tongues. It appearance can be described as:
- White or grayish patches that cannot be wiped away.
- Irregular or flat structure
- Thickened or hardened structure
- Sometimes red Coloured raised raisons can also be seen.
Hairy Leukoplakia:
Hairy Leukoplakia is also known as oral Hairy Leukoplakia. It is caused from infection with Esptein – Barr virus (EBV). It is seen that once you get infected with this disease the virus remains inside your body for your life. Normally, the virus remains dormant but if by any case if it becomes active it causes the disease.
Symptoms Of Hairy Leukoplakia:
- Hairy leukoplakia affects only those who have weak immune system like people suffering from HIV/AIDS.
- This disease forms fuzzy, white patches that resembles to folds and ridges on sides of tongue.
Treatment Of Leukoplakia:
- Stop smoking and alcohol intake immediately.
- Use of retiniods is also beneficial.
Related posts:
