Leukoplakia Treatment in Delhi, India

Leukoplakia is a condition that affects the lining of the mouth, causing thick white or grey patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the cheeks. These patches can't be easily scraped off and may be accompanied by a rough or irregular texture. While leukoplakia itself is not cancerous, it can sometimes be a precursor to oral cancer.

Types of Leukoplakia

• Homogeneous Leukoplakia: It appears as a uniformly thickened white patch on the oral mucosa.This is more commonly found in women and is often associated with tobacco use or chronic irritation.

• Non-homogeneous Leukoplakia: This refers to patches that have a mixed appearance, with areas of both white and red colouration. This has a higher potential for malignant transformation compared to the homogeneous type.

• Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia (PVL): This is a rare and aggressive form characterised by the presence of multiple lesions that gradually spread and merge over time. PVL has a high rate of recurrence even after treatment, making it challenging to manage.

Causes and Risk Factors of Leukoplakia

While the exact cause of Leukoplakia is unknown, several factors have been associated with its development which include usage of tobacco products, that certain irritants such as alcohol and spicy food.Chronic irritation or inflammation of the oral tissues due to ill-fitting dentures, constant cheek biting, rough teeth, or poor oral hygiene,HPV may also create a favourable environment for the same.

Individuals over the age of 40%, males. Individuals with weakened immune systems or who have previously had oral cancer are more susceptible.

Leukoplakia Symptoms

While leukoplakia patches are usually painless, they can cause discomfort or a burning sensation in some cases. Here are some common symptoms of leukoplakia:

• White aor grey patches in the mouth

• Changes in texture of oral tissues

• Potential discomfort or pain or burning sensation

Leukoplakia Diagnosis

When it comes to leukoplakia, early detection is key. A professional diagnosis has the following aspects,

• Clinical examination

• Biopsy and diagnostic tests: Additionally, other tests such as blood tests or imaging may be recommended to rule out other conditions or assess the extent of the disease.

Leukoplakia Treatment

A few options for the treatment of Leukoplakia are given below.

• Careful Monitoring: Regular check-ups and visual examinations can help detect any changes or progression of the condition.

• Lifestyle changes: Quitting tobacco is crucial for reducing the risk of developing oral cancer. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding irritants like spicy foods or alcohol can also help manage leukoplakia.

• Surgical removal or excision: In cases where the leukoplakia patches are large, persistent, or show signs of dysplasia (abnormal cell growth), surgical removal may be recommended.

• Other interventions: Depending on individual factors, treatment for Leukoplakia may include cryotherapy (freezing the patches with liquid nitrogen), chemoprevention (use of medications to prevent cancer development), or photodynamic therapy (using light to destroy abnormal cells).