Leukoplakia

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 What is Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion, with adherent white plaques or

patches that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek as a
response to chronic irritation.

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 Causes of Leukoplakia

 Irritation from rough teeth or rough places on the

dentures, fillings and crowns.

 Smoking,chewing tobacco or snuff in the mouth

for a long period of time.

 Like other mouth ulcers, leukoplakia may become

cancerous.

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 Symptoms of Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a skin lesion with following characteristics :

1. LOCATION –

 Usually on the tongue.

 Maybe on the inside of the cheeks.
 In females, occasionally on the genitals.

2. COLOUR –

 Usually white or gray.

 It could be red(erythroplakia).

3. TEXTURE –

 Thick.
 Slightly raised.
 Hardened surface.

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Possible Complications

 The lesion causes chronic discomfort.

 Infection of the lesion is a possibility.
 Oral cancer.

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 Exams and Tests

 Typical leukoplakia develops slowly over weeks to months, it may

become rough in texture, sensitive to touch, heat, spicy foods or
other irritation.

 Biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis.

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 Treatment
 The goal of the treatment is to eliminate the lesion. Removal of the source of
irritation is important and may lead to disappearance of the lesion.

 Dental causes such as rough teeth, irregular denture surface or fillings should
be treated as soon as possible.

 Smoking or other tobacco use should be stopped.

 Surgical removal of the lesion under local anaesthesia.

 Vitamin A or vitamin E supplements may shrink lesions.

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 Prevention

Minimize or stop smoking or other

tobacco use. Have rough teeth
treated and dental appliances
repaired promptly.

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 About Smile Care
Author Name : Dr. Rachana Chindhade

Smile Care® has spearheaded the cause of modern

dentistry in India through its multitude of activities in the
field of dentistry.

Smile Care® is involved in Clinical Services, Continuing

Education, Clinical Research, Public Awareness and
Scientific Publication in the field of dentistry and offers
the synergistic benefit of these activities to all its clients.

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 Contact Details

Smile Care Clinic

Bandra, Vashi, Nashik, Kolhapur

Email: info@smilecareindia.com
Tel: 91 -22-26400188 / 83
Fax 91-22-26416342

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