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What Causes Irregular Patches Inside Cheeks And White Discoloration On Cheeks?
Question: Hi,i have some irregular patches on the inner side of the cheeks and whitish discoloration of skin on the outer side of the cheeks.i smoke often.the patches are painless or no sensation and are whitish in colour. It has been there for sometime now and im worried that i might have developed cancer,kindly suggest.
Brief Answer:
Suggestive of Leukoplakia.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
The symptoms described in your query and the habit of smoking and no relief even after using antifungal cream are suggestive of an oral condition called Leukoplakia.
Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white patches form on the tongue or the lining of the cheeks of the mouth.
Smoking is the most common cause, but other irritants like chewing tobacco in the form of "gutkha", betel nuts (supaari) or paan are also responsible.
The patches may take several weeks to develop and are usually painless.
Since the patches have been there for sometime, I advise you to consult a dentist (oral surgeon) for further evaluation and necessary tests (like biopsy) to rule out cancer.
Meawhile:
1. Stop smoking or chewing tobacco ("gutkha" or paan) as soon as possible
2. Avoid taking alcohol (if you consume)
3. Eat fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidant. Antioxidants can help deactivate irritants that may cause patches. Antioxidant-rich foods include spinach, pumpkin, and carrots.
Hope the suggestions given above could be of great help to you in seeking the advice from a dental surgeon.
Best regards.
Suggestive of Leukoplakia.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX Hi
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
The symptoms described in your query and the habit of smoking and no relief even after using antifungal cream are suggestive of an oral condition called Leukoplakia.
Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white patches form on the tongue or the lining of the cheeks of the mouth.
Smoking is the most common cause, but other irritants like chewing tobacco in the form of "gutkha", betel nuts (supaari) or paan are also responsible.
The patches may take several weeks to develop and are usually painless.
Since the patches have been there for sometime, I advise you to consult a dentist (oral surgeon) for further evaluation and necessary tests (like biopsy) to rule out cancer.
Meawhile:
1. Stop smoking or chewing tobacco ("gutkha" or paan) as soon as possible
2. Avoid taking alcohol (if you consume)
3. Eat fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidant. Antioxidants can help deactivate irritants that may cause patches. Antioxidant-rich foods include spinach, pumpkin, and carrots.
Hope the suggestions given above could be of great help to you in seeking the advice from a dental surgeon.
Best regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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