Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a dystrophic change in the mucous membrane, accompanied by a cornification of the epithelial layer.

Etiology: local chronically acting irritants, smoking, alcohol.

Patogonia: develops against a background of mild chronic inflammation; Is considered as a kind of protective reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membrane. Vitamin A deficiency is important.

Symptoms, course. Mostly elderly men are ill. The usual localization is the lining of the cheeks near the corner of the mouth, the tongue, the lower lip. There are several forms. With a flat form of complaints there is no or there is a feeling of contraction; The focus of the mucous membrane becomes turbid, it opalesces as the keratinization, resembling a mother-of-pearl; Slightly protrudes over the relief of the mucous membrane. Warty form: sharply outlined areas of keratinization, often layered on the foci of flat leukoplakia; Surface of the hummock. The erosive form is manifested by erosions and cracks against the background of foci of other forms of leukoplakia.

Treatment. Sanitation of the mouth, prohibition of smoking, alcohol; Vitamin A (concentrate inside 10 drops 3 times a day). Effective re-treatment with the aerosol preparation "Livian". When the affected lips-photoprotective cream. The appearance of signs of malignancy is the basis for excision; Patients are taken under clinical observation.

Forecast. The flat form is reversible. Warty and erosive forms are considered as a precancer.