What is Leukoplakia
By: AlbrightTotal Views: 341, Word Count: 508,
Information on what is leukoplakia helps a person to take the appropriate measures when a person gets infected with it. Leukoplakia is a clinical term that describes patches of keratosis and posses alternative names like ‘Hairy leukoplakia’ and ‘Smoker's keratosis’.
Leukoplakia affects the mucus membranes of the mouth in humans wherein its appearance varies from person-to-person. Generally, it is prominently visible as white patches that develop on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. Apart from this, leukoplakia also affects other organs like tongue, gastro-intestinal tract, urinary tract and genitals.
What is Leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia is a clinical appearance that develops as a white patch or lesion in the mouth cavity or on the tongue. This white patch usually gets developed due to a chronic irritation which occurs due to excessive smoking or tobacco addiction. If this infection caused on the ‘buccal mucosa’ is left untreated for a very long period, it becomes painful. When the conditions become hazardous, it may lead to cancer.
What are the Causes of Leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia is mainly caused by constant irritation caused by the use of tobacco that leads to sores. Sometimes, etiological agents like HPV's, Candida albicans and excessive intake of alcohol also leads to Leukoplakia.
What are the Symptoms of Leukoplakia?
A person suffering from leukoplakia is likely to face formation of white colored patches or skin lesions on the sides of the tongue. These are thick, slightly raised and hardened surfaces that may also develop inside the cheeks. Usually, seen in white, gray or red color, leukoplakia in females develops on the genitals.
What are the Treatments for Leukoplakia?
· Try to avoid things like tobacco cessation, excess smoking, betel chewing, and heavy consumption of alcohol.
· Prevent the contact of chronic irritants like the sharp edges of teeth with the skin of oral cavity.
· Conduct a proper diagnosis as soon as the symptoms become visible to prevent the chances of cancer.
· If needed, go for a surgery when formation of pre-cancerous cells is detected.
How to Prevent Leukoplakia?
As prevention is better than cure, it is good to avoid leukoplakia by taking precautionary measures. Practice the following things to prevent leukoplakia.
· Discontinue smoking or chewing tobacco
· Get rid of the dental things that lead to mouth irritation as it may cause leukoplakia.
· Treatments done for the improvement of irregular or serrated teeth and dental fillings or dentures lead to a recurring strain to the mucous membrane.
· While undergoing treatment for leukoplakia, decrease the intake of alcohol and smoking.
· At times, take oral supplements of vitamin A, B-12 and folic acid with the doctor’s advice as these may help.
· It is advised to practice safe sex as it may contribute to the growth of leukoplakia symptoms.
· If highly contaminated, remove the infected area to prevent further spread of the infection to other organs.
Awareness about what is leukoplakia is beneficial as the person who develops its early symptoms can immediately make efforts to apply the appropriate measures.
About the Author
Albright is a well known physician who has done his graduated from the Louisiana State University Medical School, New Orleans. He is practicing as a general physician from last 10 years. He has a good knowledge of treating patients with problems using clinical best practices and protocols. He gives individualized, updated, personal attention to his patient at the uppermost level of clinical efficiency. His special interests are Neuro Somatic disorders, heart diseases, neurological disorders, join pains and chest diseases. Currently he is working at Kindred hospitals.
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