Updated September 10, 2013.

Definition:

An ailment caused by chronic irritation of the mucus membranes in the mouth, leukoplakia (Greek for white plaque) most often appears on the tongue and/or inside of the cheeks.

Risk factors for leukoplakia include:

• tobacco use
• poorly fitting dentures or other dental work
• rough spots on teeth or fillings that abrade the tongue or cheeks

While leukoplakia itself is benign, lesions may also be precancerous.

Approximately 1-20% of lesions progress to carcinoma within 10 years. Therefore, these patches should be evaluated for biopsy to rule out malignant changes.

People who use chew tobacco, snuff or smoke a pipe are at an increased risk for developing leukoplakia. The site where leukoplakia appears is often the same location that the chew tobacco or snuff rests in the user's mouth.

See also: The Hazards of Smokeless Tobacco