-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