LEUCOPLAKIA Meaning and
Definition
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Leucoplakia is a medical condition characterized by the formation of thick, white patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, or other parts of the body. These patches are typically painless and cannot be scraped off, and they may appear rough or have a wrinkled texture. Leucoplakia is considered a potentially pre-cancerous condition, as it can sometimes progress to oral cancer if left untreated.
The exact cause of leucoplakia is still unknown, but it is frequently associated with long-term irritation or trauma to the mouth, such as smoking, tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco), alcohol consumption, and the presence of poorly fitted dentures. Other risk factors may include a weak immune system and a history of viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV).
Diagnosis of leucoplakia is usually made through a visual examination by a healthcare professional, and in some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out the possibility of cancer. Treatment of leucoplakia typically involves eliminating the underlying cause, such as quitting smoking or addressing any dental issues. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments may be necessary to ensure that the condition does not progress to cancer or to detect any early signs of malignancy.
In conclusion, leucoplakia is a medical condition marked by the development of white, thick patches on the mucous membranes, indicating a potential pre-cancerous state. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial to prevent the progression to oral cancer.
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The occurrence of irregular white patches on the mucous membrane of the tongue (l. lingualis) or tongue and cheek (l. buccalis); there is thickening of the epithelium and the papillae may be hypertrophied; smoker's tongue, buccal or lingual psoriasis, ichthyosis linguae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEUCOPLAKIA
- leukopolakia
- leucoplckia
- leucoplakya
- leucoplakaa
- leucoplakma
- leucoplakha
- leucoplakii
- leucoplakie
- leucoplakic
- l eucoplakia
- le ucoplakia
- leu coplakia
- leuc oplakia
- leucopl akia
- leucopla kia
- leucoplak ia
- leucoplaki a
Etymology of LEUCOPLAKIA
The word leucoplakia is derived from two Greek words: leuko meaning white and plakia meaning patch. Therefore, the literal translation of leucoplakia is white patch.
