Leukoplakia of the oral cavity

Leukoplakia of the oral cavity is whitish changes in the oral mucosa that periodically occur and disappear. With leukoplakia, the affected areas of the skin become keratinized and peel off. The most typical localization is the line of closure of the molars.

reasons
Regular mechanical irritation of the oral mucosa
Bad habits – smoking, alcohol abuse
Male gender
Metabolic disorders
Lack of vitamin A
Chronic foci of infection and inflammation
Human papillomavirus
Iron deficiency anemia
HIV infection
Disorders of the endocrine system, including diabetes mellitus
symptoms

Leukoplakia can manifest itself on any part of the oral mucosa – gums, tongue, palate, cheek mucosa. Externally, leukoplakia manifests itself in the form of spots or plaques of pale pink or gray color / The size of plaques can be different – varies from 1.5 to 4 cm, the number can also be different. As a rule, leukoplakia does not rise above the skin level and has a striated shape (scalloped). In HIV-infected individuals, plaques often become infected and ulcerate. During palpation, the areas of leukoplakia are hard, rough.

Leukoplakia is a chronic disease that occurs with periodic relapses and exacerbations. The resulting plaques do not disappear, they increase over time and change in color – they become more saturated dark brown, dense to the touch. Such a transition in color and density is a sign of rebirth (malignancy) and is characterized as a precancerous condition.

Another type of leukoplakia – hairy leukoplakia is quite rare. The risk group for the development of this pathology is HIV–infected persons in the stage of decompensation (PreSPID and AIDS). From the usual leukoplakia, hairy differs in the presence of villi on whitish light plaques. The favorite place of localization is the language. If fleecy leukoplakia is suspected, differential diagnosis of leukoplakia from candidiasis stomatitis is carried out by sowing the affected mucosa on nutrient media.

diagnostics

The diagnosis of oral leukoplakia is made by a dentist on the basis of visual examination, life history, laboratory and instrumental studies. A biopsy of the affected area of the mucous membrane is mandatory.

treatment

In the treatment of leukoplakia, it is important to exclude all factors of mechanical, chemical and physical irritation. Patients with leukoplakia are prohibited from smoking, resorting to correction and restoration of teeth, wearing dentures.

With leukoplakia, which has developed due to endogenous exposure (chronic and infectious diseases), cryodestruction of all affected areas of the mucosa is carried out, treatment regimens for the underlying disease are reviewed and adjusted, regular dispensary monitoring of the patient is carried out.

forecast

Leukoplakia is a signal of the beginning of precancerous changes. At the first signs of changes in the affected areas, a biopsy is necessarily performed. Changes in color, size and consistency indicate the development of cancer.

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