BACKGROUND: According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, this year, oral cancer will cause more than 8,000
deaths, killing roughly one person every hour. This deadly cancer often starts as a discolored area in the
mouth called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion that forms on the tongue or inside of the cheek
in response to a persistent irritation. Irritation can be caused by dentures, fillings, crowns, smoking or chewing
tobacco. The condition normally shows up as a white or red patch in the mouth. When leukoplakia is caused
by tobacco use, it is called smoker's keratosis. These patches also sometimes appear on female genitalia,
although the cause is unknown. A condition called hairy leukoplakia sometimes affects individuals with
weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV or AIDS. This form of leukoplakia shows up as fuzzy,
white patches that resemble folds or ridges on the sides of the tongue.

PREVENTION: Since leukoplakia is most often caused by smoking or chewing tobacco, avoiding these habits
drastically reduces your chances of developing the condition -- and the oral cancer that often follows it. Sun
exposure and alcohol use also put you at a higher risk for developing oral cancer. Some studies suggest a diet
high in fruits and vegetable help prevent leukoplakia.

Catching leukoplakia early is another solid defense against developing oral cancer. See your physician if you
notice a red or white spot or sore inside your mouth, on your tongue, on the inside of your cheek or on your lip
that persists for more than two weeks. Visit your dentist regularly so he or she can check your mouth for signs
of the condition. When leukoplakia progresses to oral cancer, other symptoms occur including the following:
? Sores that bleed easily or does not heal.
? A color change of the oral tissues.
? A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area.
? Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
? Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
? A change in the way the teeth fit together.
 
DETECTION AND TREATMENT: If your dentist or doctor suspects you have oral cancer after a physical
examination, he or she will probably do a biopsy to determine if cells are cancerous. Other procedures
including X-ray and MRI scanning may be necessary for confirmation of the cancer. Treatment usually
involves surgery supplemented by radiation treatment. Some patients may need chemotherapy as well.

Experimental treatments of leukoplakia with photodynamic therapy combined with aminolevulinic acid (ALA)
are underway. ALA concentrates in cancer cells when taken orally and becomes active when exposed to a
certain kind of light. During treatment, the ALA is activated by laser light and kills off abnormal cells, such as
those found in leukoplakia. Doctors hope this treatment will be an effective measure against leukoplakia to
prevent the onset of oral cancer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:     
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, WI
Toranj Marphetia, Public Relations
(414) 456-4700
tmarphet@mcw.edu
http://www.mcw.edu