Leukoplakia

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Leukoplakia is primarily a disorder of the mucous membranes of the mouth, caused by irritation. Lesions usually develop on the tongue, but they may also appear on the insides of the cheek.

Irritation may result from rough teeth or rough places on dentures, fillings, crowns and so on. It may also result from smoking or other tobacco use (smoker's keratosis). Pipe smoking involves a high risk for development of leukoplakia, as does holding chewing tobacco or snuff in the mouth for a prolonged period of time.

Leukoplakia patches may develop on the female external genital area, but the cause is unknown.

Like other mouth ulcers, leukoplakia may become a cancerous lesion.

The disorder is most common in the elderly.

"Hairy" leukoplakia of the mouth is an unusual form of leukoplakia that is seen only in HIV-positive individuals. It consists of fuzzy (hairy) white patches on the tongue, and less frequently, elsewhere in the mouth. It may resemble thrush, a type of candida infection that in adults is also associated with HIV and AIDS. Hairy leukoplakia may be one of the first signs of infection with HIV.

Today's Top News Stories
•	Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00 Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says.
•	Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00 Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say.
•	Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24 Breast Cancer Hot Flashes Emphysema
•	Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00 French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time.
•	Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00 But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds.