{"id":3720,"date":"2020-04-29T15:04:01","date_gmt":"2020-04-29T11:04:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kingscollegehospitaldubai.com\/?post_type=service&p=3720"},"modified":"2024-02-07T06:46:55","modified_gmt":"2024-02-07T06:46:55","slug":"white-patches-leukoplakia","status":"publish","type":"service","link":"https:\/\/kingscollegehospitaldubai.com\/ru\/service\/ent\/laryngology\/voice-disorders\/white-patches-leukoplakia\/","title":{"rendered":"White Patches (Leukoplakia)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leukoplakia is a condition whereby thickened, white patches form on the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth and sometimes, the tongue. These white patches cannot be scrapped off. Doctors are not yet sure what causes leukoplakia but consider chronic irritation from tobacco \u2013 whether dipped, smoked or chewed \u2013 to be the main culprit.<\/p>\n

Most leukoplakia patches are benign (noncancerous), though some can possibly be early signs of cancer. Cancers which tend to occur at the bottom of the mouth can occur next to areas of leukoplakia. White areas which are mixed in with red areas (speckled leukoplakia) can be an indication of potential cancer. That is why it is best to see a dentist or a physician if you have unusual, persistent changes in your mouth.<\/p>\n

A type of leukoplakia known as hairy leukoplakia or oral hairy leukoplakia, primarily affects individuals whose immune systems have been weakened by disease such as HIV\/AIDS.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Leukoplakia<\/h3>\n

Leukoplakia usually occurs on the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth (beneath the tongue) and on the tongue. It is particularly not painful, and it can go unnoticed for a while.<\/p>\n

Leukoplakia can appear:<\/p>\n