Whitish patches in the oral cavity, either on the inside of the cheeks, gums, lower part of the mouth and/or tongue. It is more common in men and between the ages of 40 and 60.
The cause is not fully known, but it has been linked to smoking and alcohol consumption.
It can go unnoticed for a long time as it appears as a painless white patch on the gums, inside of the cheek, tongue or floor of the mouth. Characteristically, it does not disappear when the lesion is scraped.
It is diagnosed clinically by interview and examination of the oral cavity.
There are 4 types, some of which have a greater tendency to become malignant. It is advisable to see a specialist if the white patch lasts longer than two weeks or if it is accompanied by mottled white lumps or spots in the mouth.
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