Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, hard, white patches
that cannot be wiped off form inside the mouth. Leukoplakia is
commonly caused by irritation, such as from rubbing of a rough
tooth or poorly fitting denture, or from smoking or using
smokeless tobacco. Leukoplakia may clear up if the source of the
irritation is removed, by fixing the tooth or denture or
stopping tobacco use. It may take several weeks or even months
for the leukoplakia to go away completely. In some cases,
leukoplakia can be an early sign of cancer of the mouth. Last
Revised: July 6, 2011 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry
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