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How Dangerous Are Leukoplakia Of The Tongue?
Question: How dangerous are leukoplakia of the tongue?
Brief Answer:
Cancerous in around 1%
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Leukplakia is a form of keratosis appearing as white patch affecting the tongue and rest of the oral mucosa.
The cause of leukoplakia is difficult to identify as most of times it can occur without any appearant underlying cause. Some of the known causes being smoking, tobacco, alcohol, bacterial/fungal infection, UV radiation etc.
It is a premalignant / precancerous lesion with around 1 % chances of getting cancerous.
Some of the indications or risk factors wherein the chances of it turning cancer are more are below :
1. Leukoplakia located on the floor of the mouth, the posterior and lateral tongue, and the retromolar areas have higher risk.
2. Older people with white patches are at higher risk.
3. Persons with a positive family history of cancer in the mouth.
4. Smoking increases risk of malignant transformation.
5. A change in the appearance of the white patch, apart from a change in the color, has a higher risk.
Hope, I answered your query.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Cancerous in around 1%
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
Leukplakia is a form of keratosis appearing as white patch affecting the tongue and rest of the oral mucosa.
The cause of leukoplakia is difficult to identify as most of times it can occur without any appearant underlying cause. Some of the known causes being smoking, tobacco, alcohol, bacterial/fungal infection, UV radiation etc.
It is a premalignant / precancerous lesion with around 1 % chances of getting cancerous.
Some of the indications or risk factors wherein the chances of it turning cancer are more are below :
1. Leukoplakia located on the floor of the mouth, the posterior and lateral tongue, and the retromolar areas have higher risk.
2. Older people with white patches are at higher risk.
3. Persons with a positive family history of cancer in the mouth.
4. Smoking increases risk of malignant transformation.
5. A change in the appearance of the white patch, apart from a change in the color, has a higher risk.
Hope, I answered your query.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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