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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffFor most people, stopping smoking or alcohol consumption clears the condition. When this isn't effective or if the lesions show early signs of cancer, your dentist may refer you for removal of the leukoplakic patches using a scalpel, a laser, or an extremely cold probe that freezes and destroys cancer cells (cryoprobe). Follow-up is necessary after removal because recurrences are frequent.
Researchers have investigated the effects of retinoids — derivatives of vitamin A that are used to treat severe acne and other skin conditions — on leukoplakia. Although they appear effective against leukoplakia, retinoids may cause side effects, even when used topically. Beta carotene, an antioxidant that's converted to vitamin A in your body, also may completely or partially reduce leukoplakic patches.
Treating hairy leukoplakia
Not all cases of hairy leukoplakia need treatment, and your doctor or dentist may take a wait-and-watch approach. If you need treatment, several options are available:
- Systemic medications. These include antiviral drugs such as valacyclovir and famciclovir, which prevent the Epstein-Barr virus from replicating, but don't eliminate it from your body. Treatment with antivirals can clear leukoplakic patches, but symptoms often return once therapy stops.
- Topical medications. These include podophyllum resin solution and tretinoin (retinoic acid). When applied topically, these therapies can improve the appearance of leukoplakic patches, but once the medication is stopped, they may return.
- Sciubba JJ. Oral mucosal lesions. In: Cummings CW. Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/101896247-4/735379012/1263/585.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01985-4..50067-8--cesec8_2400. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
- Smokeless tobacco and how to quit. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Quitting_Smokeless_Tobacco.asp?sitearea=&level=. Accessed Aug. 9, 2008.
- Lodi G, et.al. Interventions for treating oral leukoplakia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006;(4):CD001829.
- Gonsalves WC. Common oral lesions: Part II. Masses and neoplasia. American Family Physician. 2007;75(4):509-512.
- Pletcher SD, et al. Head and neck manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection. In: Cummings CW. Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby;2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/101896247-3/0/1263/99.html?tocnode=49541644&fromURL=99.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01985-4..50013-7_492. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
- Reznick DA. Perspective: Oral manifestations of HIV disease. Topics in HIV Medicine. 2005/2006;13(5):143-148.
- Can oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers be prevented? American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_Can_oral_cavity_and_oropharyngeal_cancer_be_prevented_60.asp?sitearea=. Accessed Aug. 9, 2008.
- Handa S. Leukoplakia, oral hairy. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor. 1st ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/101896247-4/735379012/1531/365.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04135-5..50015-0--subchapter16_7178. Accessed Aug. 13, 2008.
- Mernitz H, et al. Beta-carotene. United States Department of Agriculture. http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?seq_no_115=208393. Accessed Aug. 12, 2008.
- Carr, AB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 13, 2008.
