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Oral Leukoplakia

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Oral Leukoplakia, Leukoplakia

  • See Also
  1. Oral Erythroplakia
  • Definition
  1. White Plaque-like lesion on Oral Mucosa
  1. Non-Keratotic
    1. Can scrape off with Tongue blade or gauze
    2. Causes
      1. Surface debris (food accretion)
      2. Necrosis
      3. Thrush
  2. Keratotic (cannot be rubbed off)
    1. Leukoplakia (18% of Oral Lesions)
    2. Reactive hyperkeratosis (most common)
      1. Benign epithelial response
        1. Fractured tooth,
        2. Dental restoration
  • Causes
  1. General
    1. Small percentage are pre-cancerous or carcinoma
  2. Specific Causes
    1. Leukoedema
    2. Galvanic keratosis
    3. Lichen Planus of Buccal Mucosa
    4. Verrucous carcinoma
    5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
    6. White sponge nevus
    7. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Signs
  • Cancer-prone mucosal locations
  1. Lateral or Ventral Tongue
  2. Floor of mouth (especially near Wharton's Duct)
  3. Mandibular retromolar trigone
    1. Tonsillar Pillar and Soft Palate complex
  • Evaluation
  1. Rule out Traumatic cause
  2. Biopsy!
  • Prevention
  1. Tobacco Cessation
  2. Alcohol cessation