What are the early symptoms of oral leukoplakia?

The onset of oral leukoplakia is related to long-term stimulation of local factors and certain systemic factors. It mostly occurs in middle-aged and elderly men, and both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have their own special theories. However, it should be treated promptly. If it does not heal for a long time, a comprehensive examination must be carried out to avoid it from developing into cancer.

1. Physical and chemical stimulation factors such as smoking

Local physical and chemical stimulation such as drinking strong alcohol, eating hot or spicy food, and chewing betel nut are also related to the occurrence of vitiligo.

2. Systemic factors

These include trace elements (including manganese Mn, strontium Sr, calcium Ca), microcirculation changes, susceptible genetic predisposition, fat-soluble vitamin deficiency (vitamin A deficiency causes excessive keratinization of the mucosal epithelium), etc.

1. More common in men over 40 years old. The most common sites of oral leukoplakia are: buccal mucosa, mucosa of the corners of the mouth, edentulous alveolar surface, tongue, lip mucosa, hard palate, sublingual area and gums. Lesions on the buccal mucosa and the mucosa at the corners of the mouth often occur symmetrically. Leukoplakia on the mucosa at the corners of the mouth are often accompanied by Candida infection. Simple leukoplakia in this area is rare and often covered with scabs. When it occurs in high-risk areas of oral squamous cell carcinoma (floor of mouth, ventral lateral tongue, soft palate), it should be taken seriously.

2. The size of mucosal leukoplakia varies, and the appearance is polymorphic, single or multiple. The lesions are light red in the early stage, and later on they may be small waxy spots with clear boundaries, or they may be extensive and white. The lesions may have villous or papillary membranes, and they may also have irregular thickening and nodules. Sometimes they appear reticular and are tightly adhered to the underlying surface, causing bleeding if forcibly peeled off. They have clear boundaries, are hard in texture, are not easy to push, and are greatly thickened. Repeated trauma can cause ulcers.

3. Usually asymptomatic, but some patients with oral leukoplakia complain of burning or irritation.

4. Although the clinical manifestations are not necessarily related to tissue pathology, the white, punctate, hypertrophic nodules on the basis of atrophy are characteristics of lesional epithelial dysplasia, indicating a high tendency to malignancy. Many oral leukoplakia can be cured if the external stimulus is eliminated. Some long-term skin lesions may not subside. In the late stage, the white spots will thicken and may produce shallow cracks and small ulcers. There are usually no symptoms, or there may be a pins-and-needles sensation or mild pain. Recent studies have shown that there are 4

% to 6% of oral leukoplakia transform into malignant tumors.

Oral leukoplakia that does not heal for a long time should be biopsied to rule out cancer, with histopathological examination being the main basis.

TCM pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation: There are localized white keratinized plaques on the oral mucosa, with a rough surface that is not easy to peel off, a slightly red tongue, a thin white coating, and a stringy and slow pulse. The syndrome is characterized by accumulation of heat in the stomach and lungs, combined with toxic evil and stagnation.