HEREDITARY WHITE LESIONS
Leukoedema
Leukoedema is a common mucosal alteration that represents a variation of the normal condition rather than a true pathologic change.It has been reported in up to 90% of black adults and up to 50% of black teenagers.The incidence in white persons in different studies is highly variable (10 to 90%).This difference can be attributed to the darker coloration of the mucosa in black persons, rendering the alteration more visible.
Leukoedema
Leukoedema is a common mucosal alteration that represents a variation of the normal condition rather than a true pathologic change.It has been reported in up to 90% of black adults and up to 50% of black teenagers.The incidence in white persons in different studies is highly variable (10 to 90%).This difference can be attributed to the darker coloration of the mucosa in black persons, rendering the alteration more visible.
Similar edematous changes have been reported in other mucosal surfaces, such as the vagina and larynx.
FEATURESThe most frequent site of leukoedema is the buccal mucosa bilaterally, and it may be seen rarely on the labial mucosa, soft palate, and floor of the mouth. It usually has a faint, white, diffuse, and filmy appearance, with numerous surface folds resulting in wrinkling of the mucosa (Figure 5-1). It cannot be scraped off, and it disappears or fades upon stretching the mucosa. Microscopic examination reveals thickening of the epithelium, with significant intracellular edema of the stratum spinosum. The surface of the epithelium may demonstrate a thickened layer of parakeratin.
TREATMENT
No treatment is indicated for leukoedema since it is a variation of the normal condition. No malignant change has been reported.