What is oral leukoplakia? Causes of oral leukoplakia

Oral leukoplakia is a common oral disease. Plaque, granular, wrinkled paper, and wart-like are common symptoms of leukoplakia. Middle-aged and elderly men are the most susceptible group, and the common cause is smoking. Frequent use of other irritating foods, such as betel nut and alcohol, can also increase the risk of disease.

Local stimulation factors play a very important role in the onset of vitiligo. Smoking is a common cause. 80% to 90% of vitiligo patients have the habit of smoking, and the site of onset is often consistent with the site of smoke stimulation. Other stimuli such as chewing betel nut, alcohol, poor restorations, residual crowns and roots can also cause white spots. Among the systemic factors, Candida albicans infection, vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, syphilis, radiation, xerostomia, etc. are closely related to leukoplakia.

1. Plaque

White or grayish white homogeneous hard plaques appear on the oral mucosa, with a dense texture, varying lesion shapes and areas, and slight elevations or unevenness. It is worth noting that there is no parallel relationship between the size of the lesion and the possibility of cancer. Sometimes cancer can occur even when the lesion is only the size of a grain of rice.

2. Granular

Also known as granular-nodular leukoplakia, it is more common in the mucosa of the corners of the mouth. The lesions are often triangular in shape, with the base located at the corner of the mouth; the lesions are a mixture of red and white, with the red area being an atrophic erythema; the surface of the erythema is "dotted" with nodular or granular white spots. This type of leukoplakia can be found in most cases of Candida albicans infection.

3. Crumpled paper

It is often seen on the floor of the mouth and the tongue, and is also known as leukoplakia of the floor of the mouth and sublingual keratosis. This disease can occur on the floor of the mouth and the ventral tongue at the same time, or it can occur on the floor of the mouth or the ventral tongue alone, or cross-wise on the floor of the mouth and the ventral tongue. The area of ​​damage varies and may even involve the lingual gums. The surface is undulating like white crumpled paper, the base is soft, and crumpled-paper-like "peaks" are visible. Except for the rough and uncomfortable feeling, there are no obvious subjective symptoms at the beginning.

4. Verrucous

The lesions are raised, with an uneven surface, accompanied by papillary or burr-like protrusions, and are slightly hard to palpate. Except for those located on the gums or palate, there are no obvious nodules on the base, the affected area feels rough, and pain usually occurs due to ulcer formation.

The above types can be called "ulcer type" when ulcers occur. Ulcers are essentially precancerous lesions; secondly, the clinical diagnosis of each type must be verified by pathological examination as a basis for selecting a treatment method.