Leukoplakia – The Importance of Dental Checkups to Avoid Oral Cancer

Leukoplakia is a condition in which difficult to remove thick, white patches appear in the mouth on the inner cheeks, bottom of the mouth, gums or on the tongue. While most patches are benign, it is considered a pre-cancerous condition since approximately 3% of patches do show early signs of cancer. In many cases, oral cancers appear near patches.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form of oral cancer. Left untreated, it can have destructive effects on the surrounding tissue. Aggressive forms may also spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.

While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, it is believed that mouth irritation from ill-fitting dentures or rough teeth, use of tobacco and poor oral hygiene are to blame. It is most common in the elderly population with over 95% of oral cancers appearing in those over forty. However, there is a variation that occurs in HIV positive patients, individuals with Epstein-Barr virus, and those with compromised immune systems, such as those taking immuno-suppressants after a transplant. (more…)