Are scrapeable white lines in mouth signs of leukoplakia?

Question

Hi doctor,

I went to the ENT for a sore throat. He ended up saying I have leukoplakia. It is mainly in the gap where I am missing the tooth. He said it was in other areas around my lower gum but it pretty much wiped off of there. I then went to my dentist who said it was not leukoplakia. I then went to an oral surgeon who also did not believe it is but says if it is not gone, to get a biopsy. I just wanted your opinion because you have always been right with the oral problems I had. Some of the white lines are raised and hard, but some I was able to scrape off with my fingernail. I also noticed a red spot. So, I am hoping it is not speckled leukoplakia. I have an appointment for a brush biopsy but that says not 100 percent. Do you think I should get the brush done or wait to have a real one because the brush biopsy removes the leukoplakia and then it will not be there to get a real one? In the meantime, before biopsies, what is your opinion? Do you think it is specked or regular leukoplakia? A picture is attached.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have seen the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

It is not at all a type of leukoplakia as seen in the picture. But, if you are a smoker, then I would recommend you stop smoking.
It seems to be just hyperkeratinization of the oral mucosa which can be due to various reasons, like hot food, fever, smoking, or a sore throat.
I suggest you take vitamin B complex capsules once daily for 15 days.
For a sore throat, salt water gargling is good.
I do not think a brush biopsy will be helpful.
Since when have you noticed this whitish patch in that area? Is there any other symptom like a burning sensation?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the images attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Although the whitish streaks look a little odd, I still do not believe it is something to be worried about for now.
It seems to be related to your smoking and may even be an emerging leukoplakia.
It is advised that you do not scrape the area as it may result in a more thickened epithelial growth.
You should stop smoking, and apply an oral steroid gel to the area so that it goes away.

Thank you.