Jubilee Hospital, Trivandrum.
Once you find white patches inside the oral cavity, better to get a medical opinion as early as possible, the reason some of these lesions can turn to cancer. Early detection and treatment is vital.
Causes of White Patches in Mouth
One of the prominent causes of white patches in mouth is lichen planus (OLP). It is an autoimmune disorder that involves the formation of lacy white patches on the gums, tongue, palate, and other parts of the mouth. In severe cases, it may spread to the throat and the esophagus.
Leukoplakia is the term for a precancerous condition that most often occurs on the tongue or lining of the cheek. This condition also appears as white patches inside the mouth and is caused by chronic irritation rather than infection. Chewing tobacco or smoking, particularly pipe smoking, can cause mouth white patches.
Candidiasis –oral thrush- is a common disease condition that leads to white patches in mouth. It is a fungal infection caused by yeast Candida albicans. The white patches formed in the mouth are cottage cheese-like in appearance and consistency. It can be treated by antifungal cream or lotion.
Frictional keratosis is another condition that can lead to white patches in mouth. It occurs due to regular friction from teeth and dentures. It mostly appears as a white line anywhere in the mouth, more commonly on the gum or cheek.
Mouth white patches may result from specific medications, including chemotherapy. Underlying conditions that are common causes of mouth white patches include inflammatory bowel diseases, alcoholism, and cancer.
It is very difficult, if not impossible, to predict which lesions will become malignant.
Some oral conditions do have an increased risk of becoming cancerous.
Pre cancerous lesions of Oral cavity–
and The white patches of leukoplakia.
and Erosive lichen planus.
and Submucous fibrosis.
Laser Surgery– Using Co2 laser these lesions can be easily removed under local or general anesthesia depending upon the extent of the lesion. An incisional biopsy must be done during laser procedure to see the histopathological stage of the lining.
Follow up is essential, say every 6 months after Laser surgery.
For Appointment– call 0471-2334561/62/63/64, 6452020,407822 Fax-0471-2330925
Email: drpaulose@yahoo.com
Clinic hours: Mon-Wed-Friday (8AM -1 PM)
Operation Days: Tue-Thu-and Saturdays (8AM-4PM)
To reach Jubilee Hospital: jubileehospitaltrivandrum