Even though leukoplakia does not usually cause any pain, removing the patch (plaque) that forms in the mouth is an important goal of treatment as it should reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer.
Even if the biopsy finds no abnormal cells, everyone with leukoplakia should consider the below advice.
Giving up smoking
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, the most effective form of treatment for leukoplakia is to give up smoking or stop using tobacco products. Avoiding tobacco may cause a leukoplakia to slowly disappear. It may also significantly reduce any risk of developing oral cancer.
If you smoke, it is strongly recommended that you quit as soon as possible. Your GP can advise you about giving up, and prescribe medication to help you quit. The NHS Smokefree website also provides information, support and advice about giving up smoking.
The Health A-Z page Quitting smoking - treatment also provides information and advice about quitting.
Reducing alcohol
Giving up alcohol or reducing your alcohol consumption may reduce the size of a leukoplakia or cause it to disappear entirely. As with quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol or limiting your intake will reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
If you do not want to stop drinking alcohol altogether, at least stick to the recommended daily amounts of alcohol consumption:
- 3-4 units a day for men
- 2-3 units a day for women
A unit of alcohol is equal to about half a pint of normal-strength lager, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.
Visit your GP if you are finding it difficult to moderate your drinking. Counselling services and medication are available to help you reduce your alcohol intake.
See the Health A-Z topic about Alcohol misuse - treatment for more information and advice.
Surgical treatment
Some experts have suggested that surgically removing the leukoplakia patch could reduce the risk of oral cancer developing. There is currently no clear evidence that this is the case. However, surgical removal would seem sensible as it removes any abnormal cells that might later cause cancer.
The leukoplakia is usually removed using a scalpel or laser. The procedure is typically done using a local anaesthetic (where the area is numbed). A general anaesthetic (where you are put to sleep) may be required if the area is large.
Medical treatments
There is currently limited evidence that medical treatment will cause leukoplakia to disappear. Medications such as retinoids or vitamin A agents have been proposed, but these agents can have adverse side effects, and there is no consistent evidence that they are effective. Treatments such as radiotherapy or conventional chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs) are of no benefit.
