Leukoplakia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| The white lesion is an example of leukoplakia. | ||
| ICD-10 | K13.2, N48.0, N88.0, N89.4, N90.4 | |
| ICD-9 | 478.5, 528.6, 530.83, 607.0, 622.2, 623.1, 624.0 | |
| DiseasesDB | 7438 | |
| MedlinePlus | 001046 | |
| MeSH | C04.834.512 | |
Leukoplakia is a condition of the mouth that involves the formation of white leathery spots on the mucous membranes of the tongue and inside of the mouth. It is not a specific disease entity and is diagnosed by exclusion of diseases that may cause similar white lesions like candidiasis or lichen planus.
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[edit] Incidence/prevalence
Leukoplakia affects less than one percent of the population, and is common in adults, mostly in the 50-70 years age group.
[edit] Causes
The cause in most cases is unknown, but many are related to tobacco use and chronic irritation. A small proportion of cases, particularly those involving the floor of the mouth or the undersurface of the tongue is associated with a risk of cancer.
The so-called hairy leukoplakia associated with HIV infection and other diseases of severe immune deficiency does not have risks for cancer.
[edit] Treatment
The treatment of leukoplakia mainly involves avoidance of predisposing factors like smoking, tobacco and betel chewing, alcohol,and removal of chronic irritants like sharp edges of teeth. In suspicious cases, a biopsy is also taken, and surgical excision done if pre-cancerous changes or frank cancer is detected.
