Ways To Treat Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a condition wherein white patches form on the gums, inside the cheeks, the bottom of the mouth, and tongue. There is much debate about the causes of leukoplakia, but it is largely considered to be the fault of chronic irritation to the area in question. Though many of the patches that form are noncancerous, they can be signs of the early stages of cancer. The patches themselves are typically not painful and thickened or hardened in certain areas. Some patches may qualify as "hairy leukoplakia," but these are only present in those who have weakened immune systems. There are several ways to treat leukoplakia; these may include ways to remove the leukoplakia that is already present as well as prevent future patches from occurring.

Stop Consuming Alcohol

Long-term alcohol use is one of the most significant causes of leukoplakia patches. This is mainly because the alcohol causes irritation to the mouth because of the harshness of the chemicals. Over time, and with continued exposure, the leukoplakia develops as the body's response to protect the mouth from the irritation of the alcohol. The best way to avoid the patches, then, is to simply stop consuming alcohol altogether. While that may seem difficult for those who have been drinking for an extended part of their lives, the only way that the patches will disappear if alcohol is the trigger is by removing the trigger and limiting the mouth's exposure.

Quit Smoking

Smoking and chewing tobacco are two of the most common ways to cause leukoplakia. Patients who exhibit multiple triggers for leukoplakia and also smoke will find that their leukoplakia is most likely still caused by their smoking rather than the other triggers. As such, smoking—or the lack thereof—can have a serious impact on the presence of leukoplakia in the mouth of a patient. To get rid of the leukoplakia that they currently have and to prevent future patches from forming, patients have to quit smoking. The benefits of quitting smoking are not just relevant to their leukoplakia as well. Overall mouth health—as well as bodily health—can be improved by quitting smoking.

Removal of Patches

Leukoplakia is typically resolved by removing the trigger. However, there are instances where this form of treatment is not enough. In those cases, it may be necessary to remove the patch altogether. This is also true if the patch is a sign of cancer. When removal of patches is necessary, your doctor will remove the patches either using a scalpel, a laser, and freezing probe. If the freezing probe is used, it is likely because there are cancer cells present which can be destroyed through the use of the extreme cold. Removal of the patches does not guarantee that the patches will not come back. Because of this, it may be necessary for you to return to the doctor to have future patches removed as well as they occur.

Medication

For those patients that have hairy leukoplakia, the source of their discomfort is found in the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is also commonly known as mononucleosis or the "kissing disease." Those with the virus can experience hairy leukoplakia in addition to fever, fatigue, sore throat, and muscle weakness. The leukoplakia will not dissipate until they have treated the virus itself. Speak to your doctor about your treatment options and they will likely recommend medicine that will attack the virus. The medications that they prescribe will suppress the symptoms of the virus, such as the hairy leukoplakia. Typically, these prescriptions will be in the form of pills, and they will affect your whole system. However, there are topical medications available that may be prescribed to you.

Follow-Up Monitoring

Follow-up monitoring is a requisite for leukoplakia regardless of the cause. This is because leukoplakia patches are likely to recur once they appear the first time. While you may be able to limit the appearance of patches through the removal of the trigger or removal of the patch itself, you are still susceptible to future patches because the body has already utilized the leukoplakia patch as a response to oral irritation. Additionally, the hairy leukoplakia patches can come back once you have stopped treatment which means that you may require ongoing therapy under the watch of your doctor to keep the patches from returning.