While most cases never become cancerous, others doeven if they have no signs of cancerous changes when diagnosed.
Leukoplakia is most often because of smoking or chewing tobacco, though there are other causes.
If leukoplakia is mild, it often goes away without any intervention.
Verywell / JR Bee
But leukoplakia must be monitored for indications oforal cancer, which requires treatment.
Leukoplakia is often mistaken forthrush, a yeast infection of the mouth and gums.
Thrush causes creamy white patches that can be wiped away.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
Those associated with leukoplakia cannot.
These areas may also be bumpy or irregular in shape.
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As it spreads, the patches start to look like warts or cauliflower.
They often appear on the sides of the tongue.
It may affect any part of the mouth.
PVL, in particular, is associated with a high risk of oral cancer.
Oral hairy leukoplakia is not associated with a risk for cancer.
If it is leukoplakia and an early sign of oral cancer, early treatment is key.
If it’s not, the mouth patches could be a sign of something more serious.
However, if there is a positive biopsy result, further treatment is necessary.
Treatment of leukoplakia is most effective after early diagnosis.
You will also need to learn to thoroughly and regularly performself-inspections of the mouth.
Summary
Leukoplakia is a condition involving white patches that form inside the mouth.
Leukoplakia is often a warning sign, signaling that a person should make some healthy lifestyle adjustments.
In some cases, leukoplakia can develop into oral cancer.
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