Leukoplakia: Types, Symptoms and Causes

Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white patches form on your tongue and the lining of your mouth. Smoking is the most common cause. But other irritants can result in this condition as well. Mild leukoplakia is usually harmless and often goes away on its own. Here e are discussing the leukoplakia and what are the symptoms and causes of this disease.

With leukoplakia (loo-koh-PLAY-key-uh), thickened, white patches form on your gums, the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and, sometimes, your tongue. These patches can't be scraped off.

Doctors don't know what causes leukoplakia but consider chronic irritation from tobacco — whether smoked, dipped or chewed — to be the main culprit in its development.

Regular dental care can help prevent recurrences.

What are the Types of Leukoplakia?

There are two main types of leukoplakia:

#1: Homogenous: 

A mostly white, evenly colored thin patch that may have a smooth, wrinkled, or ridged surface that is consistent throughout.

#2: Non-homogenous: 

A mainly white or white-and-red, irregularly shaped patch that may be flat, nodular (having protrusions), or verrucous (elevated). Additional sub-classifications, such as ulcerated and nodular (speckled), may also be made, and can help predict the likelihood that a patch will become cancerous.

Non-homogenous leukoplakia is seven times more likely to become cancerous than the homogenous type.

What are the symptoms of leukoplakia?

Leukoplakia occurs on parts of the body that have mucosal tissue, such as the mouth.

The condition is marked by unusual-looking patches inside your mouth. These patches can vary in appearance and may have the following features:

white or gray color

thick, hard, raised surface

hairy/fuzzy (hairy leukoplakia only)

red spots (rare)

Redness may be a sign of cancer. See your doctor right away if you have patches with red spots.

Irregular or flat-textured

Along with raised, red lesions (speckled leukoplakia or erythroplakia), which are more likely to show precancerous changes

Hairy leukoplakia

Hairy leukoplakia causes fuzzy, white patches that resemble folds or ridges, usually on the sides of your tongue. It's often mistaken for oral thrush, an infection marked by creamy white patches that can be wiped away, which is also common in people with a weakened immune system.

When to see a doctor

Even though leukoplakia doesn't usually cause discomfort, sometimes it can indicate a more serious condition.

See your dentist or primary care professional if you have any of the following:

White plaques or sores in your mouth that don't heal on their own within two weeks

Lumps or white, red or dark patches in your mouth

Persistent changes in the tissues of your mouth

Ear pain when swallowing

Progressive reduction in the ability to open your jaw

What are the causes of leukoplakia?

The exact cause of leukoplakia is unknown. It’s primarily linked to tobacco use. Smoking is the most common cause. But chewing tobacco can also cause leukoplakia.

injury to the inside of your cheek, such as from biting

rough, uneven teeth

dentures, especially if improperly fitted

inflammatory conditions of the body

long-term alcohol use

While some research suggests there may be a link between leukoplakia and the human papilloma virus (HPV), there’s not enough evidence to support a connection.