National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Leukoplakia


Leukoplakia is a condition in which thickened, white patches form on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheek, or sometimes on the outer female genitals.[1][2] Although the sores can vary in appearance, they are usually white or gray; thick; and slightly raised with a hard surface.[2] The condition is thought to be caused by irritation, but the cause is not always known.[2] Tobacco is considered to be the main cause of its development in the mouth. Most patches are benign, but a small percentage show early signs of cancer.[1] Removing the source of irritation may cause the condition to go away, but surgery to remove the sore(s) may be necessary in some cases.[2]
Last updated: 5/21/2012
Early signs of cancer may not be apparent. The clinical appearance of leukoplakia does not generally correlate with its appearance when examined under a microscope. For example, the lesion may appear unchanged for a period of time but may actually show changes when looked at under a microscope. Therefore, a biopsy is typically recommended in all cases to determine which lesions are precancerous. Small lesions may be biopsied and just followed periodically if it is shown to remain benign. However, those that show precancerous or cancerous features should be removed.[3]
Last updated: 5/30/2012
For most people, removing the source of irritation is important and often causes the lesion to disappear.[2] For example, if tobacco use is thought to be the cause, stopping tobacco use usually clears the condition.[1] Dental causes such as rough teeth or fillings should be treated as soon as possible.[2] When this is not effective or if the lesions show early signs of cancer, treatment may include removing the patches.[1] The lesion is usually removed in the health care provider's office using local anesthesia. Leukoplakia on the vulva is treated in the same way as oral lesions.[2] Recurrences are common, so follow-up visits with a physician are recommended.[1]
Last updated: 5/21/2012
Leukoplakia usually does not cause complications or permanent damage.[1][2] Sores often clear up a few weeks or months after the source of irritation is removed. Although most leukoplakia patches are benign (non-cancerous), a small percentage show early signs of cancer, and many cancers of the mouth occur next to areas of leukoplakia.[1] Even after leukoplakia patches are removed, the risk of oral cancer remains higher than in the general population.[1] Prognosis is better when leukoplakia is found and treated early.[1]
Last updated: 5/21/2012

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Leukoplakia. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.

In-Depth Information

  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Leukoplakia. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • What are the early signs of cancer of the vulva if my sister has had leukoplakia there for 12 years?  Is biopsy necessary? Is there any medication for treatment of non-cancerous vulvar leukoplakia? See answer

  • My sister has had vulvar leukoplakia for 12 years. The problem remains stable. The infection area does not expand and is difficult to recognize, as it is only 1 cm. Sometimes the area is itching. Could you let us know about treatment methods for this disease? Is surgery needed? Is the disease getting serious? See answer


  1. Leukoplakia. Mayo Clinic. November 2, 2010; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/leukoplakia/DS00458. Accessed 5/21/2012.
  2. Leukoplakia. MedlinePlus. July 20, 2011; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001046.htm. Accessed 5/21/2012.
  3. Thomas P. Habif. Chapter 21 - Premalignant and Malignant Nonmelanoma Skin Tumors. Clinical Dermatology, 5th ed. Mosby, An Imprint of Elsevier ; 2010;