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What Do Grey And White Patches Inside The Cheek Indicate?

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Posted on Sat, 8 Nov 2014
Question: I had been smoking for 2 years. 12 days back I decided to quit smoking but recently, few days back I saw grey and white patches inside the cheek. Am I having oral cancer ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. Harish (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely and NO

Detailed Answer:
These patches are usually smoking related. The grey patch could be early leukoplakia. This is a reversible condition and has a low (approx. 6%) chance of turning cancerous. (Seeing the photo I still doubt if it is leukoplakia)

It is good that you have decided to quit smoking but you need to quit it forever. Eat good fresh fruits and vegetables. Maintain a good oral hygiene. In any case, these changes should settle down in a few weeks or months. If they become more evident in size or if they persist you may please consult your Dentist/head and neck oncologist.

At this stage I feel there is NO need for anxiety. Quit smoking for ever. Have good fresh fruits and vegetables. You may even consider antioxidants and vitamin supplements. You should be fine in a few weeks/months
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. K. Harish (7 days later)
Hi Dr. K. XXXXXXX

I just wanted to follow up regarding the issues I have been facing after I have left smoking ( it's now 22 days without a cigarette).

Below are the problems I have been facing according to the attachment names I have provided.

Additional Information: The place where I live is very hot, I shifted here 1 year back. I sweat a lot also (maybe it was related to smoking).

1.(1-leftlip and 2-rightlip ) : At the junction of the upper lip and lower lip there are small yellowish bumps. These developed 3-4 days back. They have an itching feeling. I have dry lips also. Will it heal on it's own and how much time will it take?

2. (3-leftcheek and 4-rightcheek) : These bumps, I though was related to digestive problems. There are very calm now. After I quit smoking they were settling down and reducing in number rapidly. Previously they popped up every now and then but now they are not. I think it's healing.

3. Please look into 5.jpg and 6-mouth.jpg for extra information.

4. (7-right inner cheek and 8-right inner cheek):
This is the issue we talked last time but there had been changes. They began to swell up and became more white but now the swelling is reducing. I posted the current pictures. How much time these take to heal ?



Please let me know on the above issues and by approximately how much time they should heal. If they will get healed normally, please me the suggest procedures(I am already following your advice of eating fruits).

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. Harish (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
I do not think there is anything to worry regarding cancer at this stage.

The hot or cold place where you live would not make a difference regarding cancer.

The small bumps and ulcers you are anxious of must settle down in a few days/weeks. If they persist beyond a month, please get it examined by an oncologist or a dental surgeon trained in oncology and get things clarified. You should eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. You may also consider supplementation of vitamins and minerals.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. K. Harish

Oncologist, Surgical

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 59 Questions

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What Do Grey And White Patches Inside The Cheek Indicate?

Brief Answer: Unlikely and NO Detailed Answer: These patches are usually smoking related. The grey patch could be early leukoplakia. This is a reversible condition and has a low (approx. 6%) chance of turning cancerous. (Seeing the photo I still doubt if it is leukoplakia) It is good that you have decided to quit smoking but you need to quit it forever. Eat good fresh fruits and vegetables. Maintain a good oral hygiene. In any case, these changes should settle down in a few weeks or months. If they become more evident in size or if they persist you may please consult your Dentist/head and neck oncologist. At this stage I feel there is NO need for anxiety. Quit smoking for ever. Have good fresh fruits and vegetables. You may even consider antioxidants and vitamin supplements. You should be fine in a few weeks/months