What is leukoplakia?

White patch: Leukoplakia is a medical term for a flat white lesion on the mucous membranes of the mouth (but possibly elsewhere also). They are not easily scraped off. They can arise from numerous sources, including irritation. It is not a specific disease, but an observable condition. Sometimes they are thought of as "pre-cancerous" and so it is important to have a biopsy done.

White lesion: An area of increased or thickening of the skin at the site. It must be monitored and possibly biopsied to make certain that it is benign. Areas of leukoplakia which are constantly irritated are believed to have a higher probability of becoming cancerous.

Not much: First you need a diagnosis. The only way to get one is to have a biopsy of the area. Leukoplakia is latin for "white patch". It is used only to describe a condition and is not a diagnosis. A vast number of things can give you leukoplakia so until you know what exactly is causing it there is nothing you can do for it.

Get a biopsy.....NOW: Leukoplakia, or white patch, is a change in color from the normally pink tissues seen in the mouth. Sometimes caused by mechanical irritations, they can also be an early sign of oral cancers. Early treatment dramatically improves survival rates. You cannot manage this on your own. The only move here is to see a dentist or oral surgeon and obtain a biopsy.

Leukoplakia: Leukoplakia is a very general term that simply means a white patch. You need to have it biopsied to determine exactly what it is so that the appropriate treatment can be determined.

Biopsy: Leukoplakia means a white spot in the mouth. Have a dentist or oral surgeon look at it and review your medical history. It will be helpful if another doctor took previous pictures of the lesions with measurements. See a doctor and a biopsy probably will be performed. Make sure that the leukoplakia is documented with pictures and measurements.