Leukoplakia is a clinical term used to describe patches of keratosis. It is visible as adherent white patches on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, including the tongue, but also other areas of the gastro-intestinal tract, urinary tract and the genitals. The clinical appearance is highly variable. Leukoplakia is not a specific disease entity, but is diagnosis of exclusion. It must be distinguished from diseases that may cause similar white ...
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Leukoplakia is a clinical term used to describe patches of keratosis. It is visible as adherent white patches on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, including the tongue, but also other areas of the gastro-intestinal tract, urinary tract and the genitals. The clinical appearance is highly variable. Leukoplakia is not a specific disease entity, but is diagnosis of exclusion. It must be distinguished from diseases that may cause similar white lesions, such as candidiasis or lichen planus. The lesions of leukoplakia cannot be scraped off easily
It is sometimes described as precancerous. It is also associated with smoking.
Tobacco, either smoked or chewed, is considered to be the main culprit in its development. (1998-2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).
The term "candidal leukoplakia" is sometimes used to describe certain types of oral candidiasis.
Although the term "leukoplakia" often applies to conditions of the mouth, it can also be used to describe...
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