Leukoplakia are white or gray patches that appear in the mouth. These patches appear as a reaction of the mouth to irritation that occurs in a long time, for example due to smoking.
Leukoplakia is divided into two types, namely ordinary leukoplakia and hairy leukoplakia. Leukoplakia generally occurs on the tongue, the walls of the oral cavity (inside the cheek), the roof of the mouth, or on the floor of the mouth (under the tongue).
Leukoplakia can be a marker of a person's health condition. Leukoplakia is known to be associated with oral cancer. Meanwhile, hairy leukoplakia is associated with infection with the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV.
Although this condition can occur at any age range, leukoplakia is more common in the elderly.
Causes and Risk Factors for Leuklopakia
The exact cause of leukoplakia is unknown. However, this condition is thought to arise due to irritation and inflammation. The following conditions are known to increase a person's risk of developing leukoplakia:
- Have a habit of smoking or chewing tobacco
- Have teeth that are uneven, for example because they are broken, and rub against the tongue or the walls of the mouth
- Using dentures that don't fit properly
- Consuming alcoholic beverages in the long term
- Have an inflammatory condition in the body
- Frequent exposure to the sun on the lips
- Suffering from oral cancer or HIV/AIDS
Hairy leukoplakia is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Once a person is infected, this virus will remain in the body forever. However, the Epstein-Barr virus is generally inactive, except in people with weak immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms of Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is characterized by the appearance of patches in the mouth. These patches can develop slowly, over weeks or months. Characteristics of spots in leukoplakia include:
- White or gray in color, can't be removed with a toothbrush or gargle
- Can be textured uneven or smooth
- Feels thick and hard when touched
- Appears together with prominent red patches (a precancerous feature)
Although painless, these patches can be sensitive to heat, spicy food, or touch.
Hairy leukoplakia has a different shape from ordinary leukoplakia. Hairy leukoplakia has a grayish white color with a downy texture. These patches are usually found on the right or left side of the tongue and are shaped like prominent lines.
When to go to the doctor
Leukoplakia can be a sign of a serious condition. Immediately consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:
- White patches or sores in the mouth that don't go away after 2 weeks
- Difficult to open jaw
- White bumps or patches, red patches, or dark patches in the mouth
- Pain in the ear when swallowing
- Changes in the oral tissues
In patients with leukoplakia who have undergone treatment, it is advisable to have regular check-ups to prevent leukoplakia from recurring.
Diagnosis of leuclopakia
The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms and medical history. The doctor will also ask if the patient has a habit of smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, or engaging in habits that can cause irritation to the mouth.
After that, the doctor will examine the inside of the patient's mouth. If the white spots do not disappear by rubbing, it can be suspected that the spots are leukoplakia.
If needed, the doctor will perform a biopsy (tissue sampling), on the patches inside the patient's mouth. A biopsy can help your doctor identify the cause of your leukoplakia and rule out the possibility that your symptoms are caused by another disease, such as oral candidiasis.
Leukoplakia Treatment
Leukoplakia is generally harmless, and can resolve within a few weeks or months after the irritant is treated. So, the method of treating leukoplakia depends on the cause of the irritation.
For example, leukoplakia caused by the friction of sharp teeth can be treated by having the tooth repaired at the dentist. If leukoplakia occurs due to cigarette irritation, then the way to overcome this condition is to stop smoking.
However, if the spot does not go away, surgical removal of the spot with a scalpel incision, laser beam, or freezing (cryoprobe), can be an option.
In patients with hairy leukoplakia, the doctor will give antiviral drugs to prevent the development of patches. The doctor will also prescribe a cream that contains retinoid acid, to minimize the spots.
Leukoplakia Complications
Leukoplakia generally does not cause permanent damage to the tissues in the mouth. However, leukoplakia can increase the risk of oral cancer. Keep in mind, the risk of oral cancer will still exist even though the leukoplakia spots have been removed.
Meanwhile, hairy leukoplakia is generally not at risk of causing oral cancer. However, hairy leukoplakia can be an early sign of HIV/AIDS infection.
Leukoplakia Prevention
Leukoplakia can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Stop smoking habit
- Reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Eat lots of foods that contain antioxidants, such as spinach and carrots
- Regularly check with the dentist, especially for people who have suffered from this condition, so as not to relapse