Leukoplakia
Persistent thick white patches in the mouth that cannot be scraped off. 3-17% risk of oral cancer.
What to look for
Side-by-side comparison
Normal mouth
Pink, smooth mucosa
Leukoplakia
White patch, cannot scrape off
Leukoplakia presents as persistent white patches on oral mucous membranes - gums, inner cheeks, floor of mouth, or tongue. The patches cannot be rubbed off (distinguishing from thrush). Tobacco use is the leading cause.
It is precancerous: 3-17% undergo malignant transformation to SCC. Higher-risk features include location on floor of mouth or tongue, mixed red-white appearance (erythroleukoplakia), and dysplasia on biopsy.
Management involves tobacco cessation, biopsy to assess dysplasia, and regular monitoring.
Quick self-check
Does this look like leukoplakia? Answer 2 questions.
Is there a persistent white patch inside your mouth?
Do you use tobacco products?
Risk factors
- Tobacco use - smoking and smokeless
- Heavy alcohol
- Betel nut chewing
- Chronic irritation from rough teeth
- HPV infection
When to see a dermatologist
- ⚠Any white mouth patch persisting more than two weeks
- ⚠A patch that cannot be scraped off
- ⚠Mixed red and white patches (higher risk)
- ⚠A mouth sore that bleeds or does not heal
Often confused with
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Full ABCDE check →Frequently asked questions
Does leukoplakia always become cancer?
No. Majority do not. But 3-17% transform, and risk cannot be predicted without biopsy. All persistent white mouth patches need evaluation.
Will it go away if I quit smoking?
Many lesions improve or resolve after tobacco cessation, but not all. Quitting is the most important step. Persistent lesions need closer monitoring.
Sources
Based on clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). Statistics from NCI SEER Program and IARC GLOBOCAN. Staging per AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed. Full methodology