Leukoplakia of the mouth is a chronic ailment, in which the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is affected. This disease is considered the most common precancerous lesion of the mouth. And although the appearance of leukoplakia does not mean that a person develops cancer, such a risk exists.
The causes of leukoplakia
It is not known for certain what causes leukoplakia of the oral mucosa. In most cases, this disease develops in those who subject the mouth or lips to chemical or mechanical irritation. This, for example, smoking or wearing dental crowns of poor quality. Most often, after the cessation of the stimulus, absolutely all manifestations of leukopenia disappear, but sometimes they progress.
Among other causes of this ailment:
- diabetes;
- hereditary predisposition;
- HIV infection;
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
- harmful working conditions;
- diseases of the endocrine system;
- hypovitaminosis ;
- anemia.
Symptoms of a leukoplakia of an oral cavity
The first symptoms of oral leukoplakia are the appearance of inflamed and swollen areas in the oral cavity. They can be localized on the inner surface of the cheeks, on the tissues of the hard palate, in the area of lip adhesion and at the bottom of the oral cavity. After a while, at the site of inflammation, keratinizations are formed, which are covered with a dense white coating. It is very easy to remove it if scraped, but after a few days it again covers the affected area. Such foci of the disease do not cause discomfort to the sick: they are painless and do not itch.
If the leukoplakia of the oral mucosa progresses, then other signs of the disease appear: papillary growths occur, the affected areas begin to bleed, ulcers and erosion are visible on them. Foci of the disease in this case quickly expand, and their base becomes firm and dense.
Treatment of leukoplakia of the oral cavity
With leukoplakia of the oral cavity treatment is complex. It is mandatory to eliminate all the irritating factors that can injure the mucous membrane. To this end, complete sanitation of the oral cavity and remove poorly installed crowns, dentures or implants. If the appearance of this disease was triggered by internal systemic diseases or pathological conditions, then first of all it is necessary to conduct their treatment. Thus, with mild leukoplakia of the oral cavity, which arises from neuropsychic overloads, the patient needs to treat depression and avoid prolonged emotional overwork.
In addition, at the initial stages of the disease, a very good effect gives a permanent application:
- a complex of vitamins (especially those containing A, B2, E);
- restorative medications;
- immunostimulants.
In some cases, the patient is prescribed antiviral drugs:
- Acyclovir ;
- Zidovudine;
- Ganciclovir.
For example, with hairy leukoplakia of the mouth, when the foci of the disease are localized in the tongue, taking the drugs of this group can lead to the complete disappearance of plaques and other symptoms of the disease. However, the risk of recurrence with this at the next sharp decline in immunity exists always.
If the patient has a verruxial form of leukoplakia, the affected area should be removed by excision or cryoagulation with subsequent histological examination. Also, during the treatment of this disease, the patient should stop smoking, strengthen his immunity, regularly rinse the mouth with medicinal herbs (chamomile, oak or St. John's wort) and establish quality dentures, implants or fillings.