Leukoplakia is the name given to leathery lesions which are white in color and occur on tongue or other parts of mouth. Smoker keratosis or hairy leukoplakia are two other names which are used for this medical condition. These lesions are taken as precancerous lesions. They cause discomfort and irritation inside the mouth of an individual. Similar to other ulcers of mouth, these lesions may also change to cancerous lesions. These lesions may also occur over the outside part of the genitals of females. This disease can be found in those people who are old and have weaker immunity system. People who chew tobacco and smoke are more likely to suffer from this condition.
This condition is described as the disorder of mucous. It causes a lot of irritation. Chewing tobacco, betel, smoking tobacco are the main causes of leukoplakia. People who smoke tobacco through pipe are more likely to get this disease. Epstein barr virus is the main cause of hairy leukoplakia. This virus generally attacks the body of children at a younger age. This virus may stay in the body forever without causing any problem. However, after the weakening of immune system, this virus becomes active. HIV or Aids may also be the cause of hairy leukoplakia.
If someone has this disease then he may notice white or gray lesions inside his mouth; on cheeks and tongue. These lesions may also appear on female’s genitals but it is very rare. These lesions appear hard and thick. White patches appear on the tongue of those people who have hairy leukoplakia. In order to treat this disease doctors try to remove the lesion completely from the mouth. For the removal of these lesions, it is very important to get rid of the main cause of these lesions. If it is caused by some dental problem then it is treated immediately. If it is caused by smoking, chewing tobacco or consuming alcohol then the patient should immediately quit these habits. Doctors remove such lesions by using anesthesia or tranquilizer. For knowing whether the patient has cancer or not, a sample of lesion is tested in the hospital laboratories.
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