Leukoplakia

Thick whitish, grey patch usually on the inside of the cheek, the tongue, or gum.

It is the mouth’s reaction to chronic irritation of the mucous membranes.

More common in males than females

Usually benign but may be an early sign of oral cancer.

Risk factors

Smoking

Patients with an ill-fitting dentures

Patients who habitually chew on their cheek

Management

Refer to a maxillofacial surgeon for a biopsy