Can Leukoplakia Turn Into Cancer?

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

Question: I am a 66 year old male...I smoked 30 years ago but quit then.

My dentist said he saw some leukoplakia in my throat at 7pm if you were looking at a clock.

Is this likely cancer?? Can it likely turn to cancer? Should it be removed?

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Decision of surgical excision will depend upon histo-pathological examinati

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX ,
Thanks for the query.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

Leukoplakia is a clinical white patch that cannot be characterised clinically into any other disease .

On an average about 5% leukoplakia can turn into cancer .

If I were your treating doctor , I would advice
do biopsy with histo-pathological examination of biopsy tissue to know grade of dysplasia . More dysplasia have higher chances of going into cancer .

Decision of surgical excision will depend upon histo-pathological examination of biopsy.

Till then use multivitamin multimineral antioxidant syrup twice daily .

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj