LEUKOPLAKIA : WHAT IS IT & TREATMENTS

Overview

Lesions in the mouth that present as thickened, white patches that cannot be rubbed off.

Symptoms

The symptoms include white or patches that cannot be removed, mouth lesions, hardened areas, red spots, hairy-in the case of hairy leukoplakia.

Common treatment options

Questions to ask your doctor

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Causes

The exact cause is unknown but it can be attributed to chronic irritation from tobacco use, smoking and chewing.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves oral examination, review of history and risk factors, and test to rule out other conditions.

Common treatment options

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Highlights

  • Treatable by a medical professional
  • Diagnosed by medical professional
  • Rarely requires lab test or imaging
  • Can last several months
  • Common for ages 40 and older
  • More common in males

Treatment

Treatment includes tobacco and alcohol cessation, or in rare cases surgery to remove patches.

Medications

Antivirals: To treat hairy leukoplakia.

Valacyclovir . Famciclovir

Procedure

Excision: Small patches can be removed using extensive biopsy, laser therapy, electrocautery, or cryotherapy.

Oral surgery: Large patches are removed surgically.

Questions to ask your doctor

Interested to know more? Check out the full article here

Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. Source: Focus Medica.

2024-04-29T08:46:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd