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I Have A White Spot On My Tongue That Has
Question: I have a white spot on my tongue that has been there for over 3 years. I’m concerned it may be getting bigger.
Brief Answer:
The lesion seems like lichen planus- further advises given below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I carefully read your query and checked the attached picture.
I think you are having lichen planus which is a chronic condition that might affect mouth mucosa or other area of mucosa (eye, genitals) or skin (not always affects all these locations) and generally causes white patches that might also cause some local discomfort.
Generally the cause of them is not well understood, even though an immune response is thought to be the reason. There is no specific treatment but symptomatic treatment in case the patient has pain or problem while eating due to the lesion. In this case local steroids as ointment or injection might be administered. Some other times some medications that control the immune response might be used if steroids are not helpful.
Meanwhile there are a few things you can do:
- having a good oral hygiene is important, brushing your teeth (twice a day) and flossing daily. You can also gently brush the tongue as well. Mouth washes are recommended as well.
- avoid smoking and alcohol as they may worsen the lesion
- avoid spicy or strong taste food, too salty or acidic food as well
- see your doctor or dentist regularly to monitor the lesion. Sometimes the doctor might recommend a biopsy to verify the nature of the lesion
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
The lesion seems like lichen planus- further advises given below
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service.
I carefully read your query and checked the attached picture.
I think you are having lichen planus which is a chronic condition that might affect mouth mucosa or other area of mucosa (eye, genitals) or skin (not always affects all these locations) and generally causes white patches that might also cause some local discomfort.
Generally the cause of them is not well understood, even though an immune response is thought to be the reason. There is no specific treatment but symptomatic treatment in case the patient has pain or problem while eating due to the lesion. In this case local steroids as ointment or injection might be administered. Some other times some medications that control the immune response might be used if steroids are not helpful.
Meanwhile there are a few things you can do:
- having a good oral hygiene is important, brushing your teeth (twice a day) and flossing daily. You can also gently brush the tongue as well. Mouth washes are recommended as well.
- avoid smoking and alcohol as they may worsen the lesion
- avoid spicy or strong taste food, too salty or acidic food as well
- see your doctor or dentist regularly to monitor the lesion. Sometimes the doctor might recommend a biopsy to verify the nature of the lesion
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for the prompt response! Are you fairly certain this is lichen planus and not some sort of cancer? Am i at risk of this developing into cancer? It is not painful at all and really hasnt changed much in years.
Brief Answer:
It seems like lichen planus, cancer is very less likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The fact that it has not changed much in years is a good sign and reduces the risk for it to be cancer.
It seems like lichen planus (white spot on the tongue that has been there for a long time) but sometimes to set the diagnosis for sure biopsy might be done.
The biopsy is not always needed though and your doctor will decide to have it or not. Very likle in your case because it is not changing much, just watching it with time and checking it every 6 months might be sufficient.
If you smoke or use alcohol, these increase the risk of more important changes and in this case biopsy would be needed to be sure. Quitting smoking and alcohol use is very important in this case.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
It seems like lichen planus, cancer is very less likely
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The fact that it has not changed much in years is a good sign and reduces the risk for it to be cancer.
It seems like lichen planus (white spot on the tongue that has been there for a long time) but sometimes to set the diagnosis for sure biopsy might be done.
The biopsy is not always needed though and your doctor will decide to have it or not. Very likle in your case because it is not changing much, just watching it with time and checking it every 6 months might be sufficient.
If you smoke or use alcohol, these increase the risk of more important changes and in this case biopsy would be needed to be sure. Quitting smoking and alcohol use is very important in this case.
I hope this answers your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
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