Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffTobacco use puts you at high risk of leukoplakia and oral cancer. Drinking alcohol combined with smoking further increases your risk.
References
- Goldstein BG, et al. Oral lesions. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 29, 2010.
- Detecting oral cancer: A guide for health care professionals. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/DetectingOralCancer.htm. Accessed Aug. 30, 2010.
- Sciubba JJ. Oral mucosal lesions. In: Cummings CW. Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00092-6&isbn=978-0-323-05283-2&sid=1047132055&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00092-6--s0045&uniqId=217089811-5#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05283-2..00092-6--s0045 Accessed Sept.1, 2010. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- Habif TP. Leukoplakia. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby: 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00030-4--s0565&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&sid=1047127391&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00030-4--s0565&uniqId=217089811-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00030-4--s0565. Accessed Sept. 1, 2010.
- Reamy BV, et al. Common tongue conditions in primary care. American Family Physician. 2010;81:627.


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