Leukoplakia is a single painless white patch in the mouth. It usually develops on the:
- floor of the mouth
- inside of the cheek
- tongue (occasionally)
- gums
The exact cause of leukoplakia is unknown, but the use of tobacco, including chewing tobacco products, is a risk factor. Heavy alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of developing leukoplakia. See Leukoplakia - causes for more information about the risk factors.
How common is leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia is a common condition. It is estimated that 1 in 100 people will develop the condition at some point in their life. However, rates of leukoplakia are higher in parts of the world where the use and chewing of tobacco and related products is widespread, such as India and Taiwan.
Men are more likely than women to develop leukoplakia. Most cases affect older adults aged 50 to 70 years.
Outlook
Leukoplakia usually causes no symptoms, and the condition should not affect your quality of life. However, in a few cases leukoplakia turns cancerous, often many years or sometimes decades after it first appears.
An estimated five in 100 people with leukoplakia will get mouth cancer (oral cancer) later in life. However, the risk of mouth cancer is much higher in people with leukoplakia who continue to smoke heavily or chew tobacco.
One study estimated that the number of heavy tobacco users with a history of leukoplakia who later develop mouth cancer may be as high as one in seven.
Evidence suggests that the most effective way of preventing leukoplakia from causing oral cancer is to stop using tobacco and drinking alcohol, or to drink alcohol in moderation.
Other treatment options for leukoplakia include a type of medication called retinoids, or surgery. See Leukoplakia - treatment for more information.
Regardless of the treatment that you receive, it is important that your mouth is regularly examined by a dentist or suitable specialist to ensure that any leukoplakia is not growing or changing, and that no new areas of leukoplakia are developing.
