The primary symptom of leukoplakia is a skin lesion with the following characteristics:

• Location
  • Usually on the tongue
  • May be on the inside of the cheeks
  • In females, occasionally on the genitals
• Color
  • Usually white or gray colored
  • May be red (called erythroplakia)
• Texture
  • Thick
  • Slightly raised
  • Hardened surface

The symptoms of hairy leukoplakia are painless, fuzzy, white patches on the tongue.

The typical sign of leukoplakia is a white patch that has developed slowly, over weeks to months. The lesion may eventually become rough textured and may become sensitive to touch, heat, spicy foods, or other irritation.

A biopsy of the lesion confirms the diagnosis. An examination of the biopsy specimen may find changes that indicate oral cancer.