Leukoplakia is a clinical term used to describe patches of keratosis. It is visible as adherent white patches on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, including the tongue. It must be distinguished from diseases that may cause similar white lesions, such as candidiasis or lichen planus. It is sometimes described as precancerous. It is also associated with smoking. Tobacco, either smoked or chewed, is considered to be the main culprit in its development
The treatment of leukoplakia mainly involves avoidance of predisposing factors — tobacco cessation, smoking, quitting betel chewing, abstinence from alcohol and avoidance of chronic irritants, e.g., the sharp edges of teeth. A biopsy should be done, and the lesion surgically excised if pre-cancerous changes or cancer is detected.
Various treatment procedures for oral leukoplakia have been reported. However, after some treatments, oral leukoplakia may show recurrence and/or malignant transformation, even following complete resection. Furthermore, patients with oral leukoplakia may develop new lesions in other oral cavity locations. Laser surgery for oral mucosal lesions has been reported to have many advantages, and it is widely used in the treatment of oral leukoplakia.
Laser excision/ vaporization are suitable for leukoplakia in the tongue and buccal mucosa. Management of oral leukoplakia prevents not only recurrence and malignant transformation, but also postoperative dysfunction. I believe that laser surgery is an excellent procedure which can be done as a day case procedure under local anesthetic.
Biopsy of suspected area must be done same time.
The wound healing process after laser surgery is very fast and no significant complications are observed. . The CO2 laser has provided a promising new approach in the management of these lesions with excellent wound healing.
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Jubilee Hospital Trivandrum- Timing
Clinic hours: 8AM -1 PM Mon-Wed-Friday
(Operation Days: Tue-Thu-and Saturdays)
Patient can be seen on operation days with prior appointment from 2-4PM.
For Appointment- call 0471-2334561/62/63/64, 6452020,407822 Fax-0471-2330925
Email: drpaulose@yahoo.com
