| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Leukoplakia |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Hairy leukoplakia; Smoker's keratosis |
| Treatment: |
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The goal of treatment is to eliminate the lesion. Removal of the source of irritation is important and can lead to disappearance of the lesion.
Surgical removal of the lesion may be necessary. The lesion is usually removed in your health care provider's office with the use of local anesthesia. Some research has shown that vitamin A or vitamin E can shrink lesions, but this should only be administered with close supervision by a health care provider. Treatment of leukoplakia on the vulva is the same as treatment of oral lesions. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Leukoplakia is usually harmless, and lesions usually clear in a few weeks or months after the source of irritation is removed. Approximately 3% of leukoplakia lesions develop cancerous changes. Hairy leukoplakia is often a sign of HIV infection and an increased likelihood of developing AIDS. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have any lesions resembling leukoplakia or hairy leukoplakia. |
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