Soft Tissue Growth Abnormalities

An example of Leukoplakia (or erythroplakia, when red in color), a condition that can affect the tongue and mucous membranes of the mouth. Chronic irritation is the usual cause. This patient, a heavy smoker, has the common characteristics of this type of lesion that appears as tissue that is somewhat raised, thick and has a hardened surface. Treatment would include a cessation of tobacco use. Surgical removal of the tissue may be necessary if conservative treatments are unsuccessful. Left untreated, there is a slight risk of the lesion developing cancerous changes.

Leukoplakia - Heavy smoker Paul Sussman, DMD