Leukoplakia

The primary symptom of leukoplakia is a skin lesion with the following characteristics:

• Location
  • Usually on the tongue
  • May be on the inside of the cheeks
  • In females, occasionally on the genitals
• Color
  • Usually white or gray
  • May be red (called erythroplakia)
• Texture
  • Thick
  • Slightly raised
  • Hardened surface

The symptoms of hairy leukoplakia are painless, fuzzy, white patches on the tongue.

The typical white patch of leukoplakia develops slowly, over weeks to months. The lesion may eventually become rough in texture, and may become sensitive to touch, heat, spicy foods, or other irritation.

A biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis. An examination of the biopsy specimen may find changes that indicate oral cancer.

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