Definition

Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek as a response tochronic irritation. Occasionally, leukoplakia patches develop on the female external genitalia.

Alternative Names

Hairy leukoplakia; Smoker's keratosis

Causes

Leukoplakia is primarily a disorder of the mucous membranes of the mouth, caused by irritation. Lesions usually develop on the tongue, but they may also appear on the insides of the cheek.

Irritation may result from rough teeth or rough places on dentures, fillings, and crowns. It may also result from smoking or other tobacco use (smoker's keratosis). Pipe smoking involves a high risk for development of leukoplakia, as does holding chewing tobacco or snuff in the mouth for a prolonged period of time.

Leukoplakia patches may develop on the female external genital area, but the cause is unknown.

Like other mouth ulcers, leukoplakia may become a cancerous lesion.

The disorder is most common in the elderly.

"Hairy" leukoplakia of the mouth is an unusual form of leukoplakia that is seen only in HIV-positive individuals. It consists of fuzzy white patches on the tongue, and less frequently, elsewhere in the mouth. It may resemble thrush, a type of candida infection that, in adults, is also associated with HIV and AIDS. Hairy leukoplakia may be one of the first signs of infection with HIV.

Review Date: 8/16/2004
Reviewed By: Stephen Grund, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Hematology & Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.