Leukoplakia it's not cancer, but can turn into one. Although it is not possible to predict which lesions will undergo malignant transformation, it is known that non-homogeneous leukoplakias are the ones that are most likely to progress to cancer.
Others risk factors for malignancy include: persistence of the lesion for a prolonged period, occurrence in women, presence of leukoplakia in a non-smoker, localization on the tongue or floor of the mouth, lesion greater than 2 cm2 and presence of Candida albicans.
Leukoplakia is a white spot or plaque that appears in the mouth and can not be removed with scraping. Its causes are very much associated with smoking, which is why it is more common in smokers.
It can be classified as homogeneous and not homogeneous. The first one presents uniform white, smooth and thin plates, while the nonhomogeneous one has a rough, verrucous surface or with reddish areas.
Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia is an inhomogeneous form of leukoplakia with a high risk of developing into cancer. His lesions are multiple and resistant to treatment.
The diagnosis of leukoplakia is shaped by biopsy. Once detected, it is recommended to remove risk factors, perform clinical follow-up, and remove the lesion surgically when possible.
The treatment of leukoplakia can be done with medicines (retinoids, beta-carotene, bleomycin), photodynamic therapy or surgery. Surgical treatments include cryosurgery, laser and conventional surgical removal.
To prevent the onset of cancer, the surgical removal of leukoplakia is done. However, removal of the lesion is not fully effective in preventing the onset of cancer. This is because the tumor may develop in areas adjacent to leukoplakia and not just where the lesion was.
Therefore, there is no treatment capable of preventing relapses or preventing leukoplakia from turning into cancer.
For more information, consult a dentist.
