A sharp decrease in immunity can trigger the development of serious diseases that require immediate treatment. One of them is hairy leukoplakia. What is it, what factors contribute to the onset of the disease and what treatment options are provided for - we will all consider this in the article.
Definition and forms of the disease
Hairy leukoplakia is a pathological condition of the mucous membranes caused by exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus. Pathology can affect the mucosa of the esophagus, cervix, genitals, larynx and bladder. But the most common leukoplakia of the oral cavity and tongue. It got its name because of the clinical picture - the affected areas are covered with white or grayish small villi. Hairy leukoplakia in most cases appears in smokers after 40 years, but the likelihood of pathology in the elderly and children cannot be ruled out. In healthy people, this disease is very rare.
Hairy leukoplakia can occur in the following forms:
- Simple. It appears whitish spots that can not be cleaned.
- Verrucous. On earlier whitish spots, warts or plaques appear.
- Erosive. Ulcers appear on the affected areas, which can develop into a malignant form.
A photo of hairy leukoplakia is presented below.
Causes of occurrence
Currently, the main cause of the development of the disease is considered to be the Epstein-Barr virus. It is believed that the majority of the world's population are carriers of this virus. And if in a healthy person its reproduction and activity is restrained by T-lymphocytes, then in diseases that are accompanied by a strong decrease in immunity, the virus begins to multiply actively, provoking dangerous conditions. Consider the most common causes of fibrous tongue leukoplakia.
- HIV, AIDS and other diseases that can significantly depress immunity.
- Acute Leukemia
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Long smoking.
- Oncological processes of the oral cavity.
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays on the mouth.
- Permanent trauma to soft tissues in the mouth (for example, metal prostheses).
- Improper oral hygiene or lack thereof.
- Work in hazardous industries.
- Taking immunosuppressive drugs.
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Hairy leukoplakia can develop in the postoperative period.
- Iron-deficiency anemia.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Hormonal disruptions.
Symptomatology
The most common symptoms of fibrous tongue leukoplakia are:
- The appearance of white plaque in the area of the base of the tongue and on its lateral surfaces.
- Sensation of severe dry tongue.
- Change in taste.
- In the affected areas of the tongue, the doctor discovers small villi.
- The foci of the disease are similar to transparent or whitish warts, the length of which, as a rule, does not exceed 1 centimeter.
- Inhomogeneous mucosal surface.
- The appearance of erosion and cracks that can disappear, but then reappear.
- Palpation of the affected area does not cause pain.
- Whitish deposits cannot be removed with a brush or even a special spatula.
- With more advanced stages of the disease, perspiration and shortness of breath occur.
- In the absence of treatment, a complete change in the epithelium of the tongue is observed.
Diagnostics
If you suspect a disease, you should contact your dentist or immunologist. The doctor can make an initial diagnosis at the time of examination. But to confirm it and identify the cause of the occurrence, a complex of diagnostic measures is required, which includes laboratory and instrumental examinations. Consider their list in more detail.
- An extensive blood test to detect the patient’s immunity state.
- Taking a smear to determine the cellular composition in the affected area.
- Biopsy. It is the most important diagnostic method that can detect the Epschein-Barr virus.
- Histology. This is a mandatory analysis by which the development of the oncological process is excluded or confirmed.
- X-ray examination of the jaw. This is necessary in order to study the state of hard tissues in the area of the affected areas.
Since hairy leukoplakia with HIV often occurs, a mandatory diagnostic measure is testing for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus. These include:
- PCR diagnostics.
- Study of the immune status.
- IFA.
- Immune blotting.
Disease treatment
Treatment of hairy leukoplakia of the tongue begins only after receiving the results of all examinations. As a rule, complex therapy is prescribed, which includes medication and compliance with certain rules of personal hygiene. In some cases, surgery may be indicated. Consider treatment options in more detail.
- First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the root cause of the disease. For example, if tests reveal the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus, antiviral drugs are prescribed. These include Acyclovir, Zidovudine, and others. When joining a fungal infection, antifungal drugs are prescribed (for example, "Fluconazole"). In most cases, after passing the course of treatment, the symptoms of the disease disappear, but with a repeated decrease in immunity, relapse is possible.
- In the presence of a constant irritating factor, it is necessary to get rid of it as soon as possible. For example, if there is a permanent injury to the tongue and oral cavity, you need to eliminate the cause as soon as possible. This may be the sharp edges of the seal, improperly installed prosthesis and more. After eliminating the problem, the oral cavity is sanitized.
- In especially advanced cases, surgical treatment may be recommended, in which the affected areas are removed using a laser or cryodestruction. Sometimes excised tissue is excised with a scalpel.
- It is also very important to get rid of bad habits and eat right without eating too cold or hot food.
- Brush your teeth and tongue daily with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse the oral cavity with antibacterial solutions.
HIV treatment
The most common occurrence of hairy tongue leukoplakia in HIV. With this disease, there is a high risk of developing lymphoma, therefore, HIV-infected people are prescribed radiation therapy or chemotherapy, in which mutated cells in the affected areas of the oral cavity are destroyed. It is worth remembering that in HIV-positive patients without anticancer therapy, hairy leukoplakia in most cases degenerates into a malignant form.
ethnoscience
It is worth noting that hairy leukoplakia cannot be cured with the help of traditional medicine, but they can be used as a prophylactic or as an adjunct treatment for basic therapy. In this case, the effect of the use of folk remedies will be aimed at getting rid of concomitant symptoms. Let's consider in more detail.
To eliminate damage in the form of cracks and ulcers, it is possible to use mouth rinses with decoctions of medicinal plants or local application of these funds to the affected areas. Propolis, chamomile, strawberry leaves, sage, St. John's wort, oak bark and others have proven themselves well. It is important to remember that the use of any traditional medicine should be agreed with the attending physician.
Prevention
By performing a series of preventive measures, the risk of developing the disease can be minimized.
- First of all, it is necessary to regularly visit the dentist and timely treat all arising problems (for example, caries or chips on fillings).
- To refuse from bad habits. This is especially true for smoking.
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Do not abuse the use of spices in the diet.
- Timely treat all diseases, preventing their transition to the chronic stage.
- Support the strengthening of immunity.
- Prevent HIV infections and STDs.
Forecast
For people who do not have diseases that depress the immune system, in most cases the prognosis is positive. Despite the high risk of relapse, with constant medical supervision after recovery, as well as during preventive measures, the likelihood of a recurrence of the disease is minimized.
In HIV-positive patients, the prognosis for recovery is not very favorable. Therefore, when diagnosing a disease, it is necessary to start anti-cancer therapy as soon as possible in order to eliminate the risk of degeneration of the affected areas.
Conclusion
Hairy leukoplakia is a dangerous disease that can lead to the development of an oncological process. Therefore, it is very important to monitor your health and, at the first signs of the development of the pathological process, consult a specialist who will prescribe diagnostic measures, and, based on their results, the most effective treatment.
It is not recommended to self-medicate, since it can aggravate the situation. The use of traditional medicine is possible only after consulting a doctor, as some recipes can only do harm.