Leukoplakia is a white patch in the mouth. If you have a white patch in the mouth that does not go away, get it checked by a dentist or GP.
See a dentist or GP if:
- you have a white patch in your mouth that has not gone away after 2 weeks
- you have a white patch on your tongue and a weakened immune system – for example, you have HIV or have had an organ transplant
If you have leukoplakia, there's a small risk it could progress to mouth cancer over time.
This is why it's important to see your dentist or GP if you have a white patch in your mouth.
Treatment for leukoplakia is not always needed, but you'll have regular check-ups to make sure the patch is not getting bigger.
The patch may get smaller or go away if you:
- stop smoking
- reduce the amount of alcohol you drink
An operation is sometimes needed to remove the patch if there's a risk it could become cancerous.
This may be done while the area is numbed (local anaesthetic) or while you're asleep (general anaesthetic).
The patch can be removed in a number of ways, including using a laser or a surgical scalpel. Your mouth should heal quickly afterwards.
In the UK, leukoplakia is mostly caused by smoking. But sometimes the exact cause is not known.
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting leukoplakia. These may also reduce your chances of getting mouth cancer.
Hairy leukoplakia is a type of leukoplakia caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
You may have this type if you have a weakened immune system – for example, you have HIV or have had an organ transplant.
It causes fuzzy white patches, often on the sides of the tongue, that look folded or ridged. They're not painful and cannot be brushed or scraped away.
Antiviral medicines, or treatments applied directly to the patch, may be prescribed to treat hairy leukoplakia.
Unlike other types of leukoplakia, hairy leukoplakia does not carry a risk of mouth cancer.