leukoplakia
/ˌluːkəˈpleɪkiə/
noun
- A medical condition in which thick, white patches form on the mucous membranes of the mouth, tongue, or other areas, often caused by irritation or tobacco use.
- Smoking is a common cause of leukoplakia in the mouth.
- The dentist noticed a white patch on the inside of her cheek and diagnosed it as leukoplakia.
- Most cases of leukoplakia are harmless, but a doctor may recommend a biopsy to check for precancerous changes.