Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a white patch or patches in the mouth. They're not usually painful, are an irregular shape and cannot be rubbed or scraped away.

To confirm leukoplakia, a GP or dentist may refer you to a specialist so they can remove a small piece of the patch to check it for abnormal cells.

Treatment is not always needed for leukoplakia. The patches are sometimes removed if there is a chance that they could become cancerous.

Things you can do to reduce your chances of getting leukoplakia include not smoking, keeping your mouth healthy and having regular dental check-ups.

There are several types of leukoplakia. Hairy leukoplakia is a type that sometimes affects people with a weakened immune system.

Leukoplakia is a white patch or patches in the mouth. If you have a white patch in the mouth that does not go away, get it checked by a dentist or GP.