LEUKOPLAKIA

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia

Abstract

White or grey patches that are developed on the tongue, either inside or on the floor of the mouth are known as leukoplakia. Although the disease is not much harmful, it is prevalent more commonly in elderly men especially those above sixty-five years of age. The women who suffer from this disease can also have cancer. The disease can be diagnosed by removing the source of irritation. However, to treat it the patient must be asked either to minimize or to stop the consumption of tobacco and alcohol since these are the major drivers that cause it. Moreover, green tea is also effective in curing leukoplakia. The effect of leukoplakia is mostly on the mucus membranes present in the mouth. However, there are many times in which the causes are not known.

Introduction

White or grey patches that are developed on the tongue are known as leukoplakia. These patches develop either inside the tongue or on the floor of the mouth. These reactions occur in the mouth because of chronic irritation of mucous membrane. Besides this, it can also develop in the genital area in the females but its cause is not yet known. There is also an unusual form of leukoplakia known as hairy leukoplakia which occurs only in people suffering from AIDS. The infection occurs because of fungus Candida when the immune system does not work properly.

Leukoplakia

Diagnostic Methods

The development of the white patch of leukoplakia takes place slowly in a time span of some weeks or months. However, the lesion becomes rough over a time period and it may become sensitive to touch. Therefore, the patient may feel heat and irritation due to consumption of spicy foods. Diagnosis of leukoplakia is confirmed by biopsy of lesion, however some changes may also be found during the examination of ...