JuniorDentist.com

Oral Care Tips by a Dentist

You are here: Home / B.D.S / Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia

January 10, 2011 by Dr. Varun Pandula Leave a Comment

Leukoplakia:

Def: A predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterized as any other definable lesion.

Examples White lesions : candidal leukoplakia, Hairy leukoplakia, tobacco induced lesion,  Idiopathic leukoplakia.

Age/gender: Above 30 yrs of age, occurs more in males.

Etiology:

  • Betel Quid
  • Alcohol
  • Physical irritants
  • Candida albicans – candidial leukoplakia shows more chances of malignant transformation.

Clinical features:

Homogenous: Lesions that are uniformly white, they are 3 types – smooth, furrowed, Ulcerated. Usually asymptomatic

Non Homogenous: Part of the lesion is white and the rest appears reddened, well demarcated white areas, interspread with reddened areas. Associated with mild complaints of Localized pain or discomfort. It can also be called Erythro leukoplakia or Speckled Leukoplakia, and Verrucous Leukoplakia also comes under this.

Histopathological Features: Presence or absence of Epithelial Dysplasia. Epithelial Hyperplasia, Surface hyperkeratosis.

Epithelial Dysplasia:

Features of Dysplasia:

  • Loss of polarity of the basal cells
  • Presence of more than one layer of cells having a basaloid appearance
  • increased nuclear cytoplasmic ratio
  • Drop shaped rete processes
  • Irregular epithelial stratification
  • Increased mitotic figures
  • Presence of mitotic figures in superficial half of the epithelium
  • Cellular pleomorphism
  • Enlarged nuclei
  • Reduction in cellular cohesion
  • Keratinisation of cells

Grading of leukoplakia based on its size and presence or absence of dysplasia:

It is divided into 4 Stages: called OLEP staging system

Stage I: size- <2cm, No dysplasia

Stage II: size 2-4cm, No dysplasia

Stage III: size >4cm, No dysplasia, or size 2-4cm with dysplasia

Stage IV: Size >4cm with dysplasia

Diagnostic Procedures:

1) Eliminate the other possible white lesions

2) Biopsy:

  • For homogenous – to knw the extent of dysplastic changes.
  • For Non Homogenous: Should be taken only at the site of symptoms, redness or induration
  • Should be done if the treatment procedure includes CO2-laser evaporation

3) Toulidine Blue staining or lugols iodine

4) Exfoliative Cytology

Treatment Modalities:

Observation for 1-2 weeks after elimination of suspected irritants

  • Surgical Excision
  • Cryosurgery
  • CO2-laser surgery
  • Retinoids and other drugs
  • Photodynamic therapy


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent Posts

  • Gum infection can lead to Hearth Arrhythmia – Research by Hiroshima University
  • Classification of Fluorosis Stains on Teeth
  • Indian Orthodontic Society complain against at-home Aligner providers to DCI
  • Triple Antibiotic Paste Composition and use in Root Canal Treatment
  • Frequently asked Questions regarding Dental Braces and Water Sports

Search Juniordentist.com

Popular P Topics

  • Dry Socket Pictures | Pictures of Alveolar Osteitis
  • How many days does it take for Antibiotics to get rid of tooth infection or abscess
  • Protocol for Management and handling of Dental Hospital Waste - Color coding for waste disposal
  • Sequence of Extraction for Complete Maxillary and Mandibular teeth extraction
  • List of Papillae of Tongue – Location and Histology
  • Kennedy’s Classification of Edentulous Space and Applegate’s Rules
  • Differences between male skull and female skull
  • Types of Bevels and their Uses in Tooth or Cavity Preperation
  • Faulty Radiographs due to Faulty Processing Techniques
  • Arrested Caries - Causes, Color, Stages of Development and Treatment

Categories

Disclaimer

Juniordentist.com is intended for educational, informative and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to replace your Dental Visit. Only a proper dental Checkup by a professional in person can help diagnose the problem you are suffering from and help give you the required treatment. You should always understand that a Patient to Doctor interaction is the only way to properly diagnose the problem and decide its cure.

Varun Pandula

Varun Pandula

A Dentist by profession but a tech enthusiast by heart, trying to learn and enjoy both the professions.

View Full Profile →

About Me

Hi I'm Varun, I'm currently a Dental Surgeon from India practicing from the past few years. I Started this Blog to help dental students as you can see from the name and also constantly try to keep updating information which can be useful for patients and Dental Practitioners as well. You can contact me here to for any Questions. Read More…

Recent Posts

  • Gum infection can lead to Hearth Arrhythmia – Research by Hiroshima University
  • Classification of Fluorosis Stains on Teeth
  • Indian Orthodontic Society complain against at-home Aligner providers to DCI
  • Triple Antibiotic Paste Composition and use in Root Canal Treatment
  • Frequently asked Questions regarding Dental Braces and Water Sports

Recent Comments

  • Dr. Varun Pandula on Arrested Caries – Causes, Color, Stages of Development and Treatment
  • Dr. Varun Pandula on Sequence of Extraction for Complete Maxillary and Mandibular teeth extraction
  • Dr. Varun Pandula on Enlargement of Lymph Nodes and their related Dental Conditions
  • Elizabeth on Enlargement of Lymph Nodes and their related Dental Conditions
  • Thasneem on Sequence of Extraction for Complete Maxillary and Mandibular teeth extraction