Details of Leukoplakia Excision Surgery

These leukoplakia patches are noncancerous, though some show early signs of cancer. Cancers on the bottom of the mouth can occur next to areas of leukoplakia. And white areas mixed in with red areas (speckled leukoplakia) may indicate the potential for cancer.

• White patches
• Irregular or flat-textured

• Physical examination
• Oral brush biopsy
• Excisional biopsy

Patches can be removed with the help of a scalpel, a laser or an extremely cold probe that freezes and destroys cancer cells.