Precancerous conditions of the mouth
Precancerous conditions of the mouth are changes to cells of the mouth that make them more likely to develop into cancer. These conditions are not yet cancer. But if they aren’t treated, there is a chance that these abnormal changes may become oral cancer.
The most common precancerous conditions of the mouth are leukoplakia and erythroplakia.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is an abnormal white or grey area that develops on the tongue, the inside of the cheek, the gums or the floor of your mouth.
The presence of leukoplakia does not necessarily mean cancer. The risk of developing oral cancer depends on how different the abnormal cells are in shape, size and appearance compared to normal mouth cells. This abnormality is called dysplasia. The healthcare team closely watches people who have leukoplakia to look for signs of cancer.
Risk factors
The following risk factors increase your chance of developing leukoplakia:
- smoking heavily
- chewing tobacco
- excessive alcohol use
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of leukoplakia include a whitish area or spots inside the mouth that cannot be easily scraped off.
Diagnosis
Your dentist or doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have and do a dental or oral exam. They may take a sample of cells from the abnormal area (called a biopsy) so they can be tested in a lab.
Treatments
There are no standard treatments for leukoplakia. It is managed by active surveillance. This means that your healthcare team watches your condition closely. They will use regular tests and exams to find any cancerous change early.
Because leukoplakia can develop into cancer, people with this condition should avoid known risk factors, such as using tobacco and drinking alcohol.
Erythroplakia
Erythroplakia is an abnormal red area or group of red spots that forms on the mucous membrane lining the mouth with no clear cause. The presence of erythroplakia does not necessarily mean cancer, but this precancerous condition has a high risk of developing into cancer. About 50% of these lesions develop into squamous cell carcinoma.
Risk factors
The following risk factors increase your chance of developing erythroplakia:
- smoking heavily
- chewing tobacco
- excessive alcohol use
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of erythroplakia include a raised or smooth red area that often bleeds when scraped.
Diagnosis
Your dentist or doctor will ask you about any symptoms you have and do a dental or oral exam. They may take a sample of cells from the abnormal area (called a biopsy) so they can be tested in a lab.
Treatments
Treatment options for erythroplakia may include:
- careful watching (active surveillance) and frequent follow-up
- surgery
- cryosurgery
- laser surgery
Because erythroplakia can develop into cancer, people with this condition should avoid known risk factors, such as using tobacco and drinking alcohol.