Leukoplakia is a term used to describe changes in the mouth’s lining that appear white in color. Leukoplakia often forms in the mucosa or mucous membrane in the mouth.
“Leukoplakia can occur for various reasons,” says Ryan McSpadden, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology in the Head & Neck/Plastic Surgery Department at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. “White spots can appear due to poor oral hygiene, from alcohol or tobacco, or from constant irritation or trauma from biting your cheek.”
Leukoplakia can develop in several places, but most frequently, white spots appear on the cheek, on top of the tongue, or even underneath the tongue on the floor of your mouth. These spots can vary in size. Hairy leukoplakia is a condition that describes an overgrowth of the lining, or bumps on your tongue, called papillae. This happens when a person does not brush their tongue.
Can leukoplakia become something worse?
“Less than 5% of the time, there is a progression into oral cancer. Signs of progression include color change from white to red (erythroplakia), increasing size, pain, or bleeding from the area.”
Leukoplakia is different from other non-cancerous conditions of the mouth, such as thrush, which is caused by a fungus, and canker sores, which, unlike leukoplakia, are painful, last for a short period and go away on their own.
The treatment for leukoplakia will vary from simple observation and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco, to a biopsy, which may determine if removing the white patch is necessary.
“You might be able to spot leukoplakia, but usually, it will be noticed by a medical professional,” says Dr. McSpadden. “It usually is not painful, so it’s important to brush, floss and not to skip your usual dentist or doctor’s visits.”
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