Whitish plaques or patches located in the oral cavity, either on the inside of the cheeks, gums, lower mouth and/or tongue. It appears more frequently in men and between the ages of 40 and 60 years.
The cause is not completely known, but some association with smoking and alcohol consumption has been demonstrated.
It can go unnoticed for a long time as it appears as a painless white plaque on the gums, inner cheekbone, tongue or floor of the mouth. Characteristically, it does not disappear when the lesion is scraped off.
Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and examination of the oral cavity.
There are 4 types, some of which have a greater tendency to malignancy. It is advisable to consult a specialist when the white plaque remains for more than two weeks or when it is accompanied by lumps or mottled white patches in the mouth.
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