Hairy leukoplakia: Difference between revisions
CSV import Tags: mobile edit mobile web edit |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Hairy leukoplakia | |||
| synonyms = Oral hairy leukoplakia | |||
| field = [[Oral medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[White patch]] on the [[tongue]] | |||
| complications = None | |||
| onset = Sudden | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Epstein–Barr virus]] (EBV) infection | |||
| risks = [[Immunosuppression]], [[HIV/AIDS]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical examination]], [[Biopsy]] | |||
| differential = [[Oral candidiasis]], [[Leukoplakia]], [[Lichen planus]] | |||
| prevention = [[Antiretroviral therapy]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antiviral medication]], [[Topical therapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Benign | |||
| frequency = Common in [[HIV/AIDS]] patients | |||
}} | |||
'''Hairy leukoplakia''' is a medical condition often associated with [[immunocompromised]] individuals, particularly those with [[HIV/AIDS]]. It is characterized by white patches on the side of the tongue, which have a hairy or corrugated appearance. | '''Hairy leukoplakia''' is a medical condition often associated with [[immunocompromised]] individuals, particularly those with [[HIV/AIDS]]. It is characterized by white patches on the side of the tongue, which have a hairy or corrugated appearance. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
Hairy leukoplakia is caused by the [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (EBV), a type of [[herpesvirus]]. The virus infects the cells on the surface of the tongue, leading to the characteristic white patches. | Hairy leukoplakia is caused by the [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (EBV), a type of [[herpesvirus]]. The virus infects the cells on the surface of the tongue, leading to the characteristic white patches. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The primary symptom of hairy leukoplakia is the presence of white patches on the side of the tongue. These patches cannot be scraped off and may have a hairy or corrugated appearance. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of discomfort in the mouth. | The primary symptom of hairy leukoplakia is the presence of white patches on the side of the tongue. These patches cannot be scraped off and may have a hairy or corrugated appearance. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of discomfort in the mouth. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia is typically made based on the appearance of the tongue. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as [[oral thrush]] or [[oral cancer]]. | Diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia is typically made based on the appearance of the tongue. In some cases, a [[biopsy]] may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as [[oral thrush]] or [[oral cancer]]. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for hairy leukoplakia primarily involves managing the underlying condition that has led to the weakened immune system. This may involve antiretroviral therapy for individuals with HIV/AIDS. In some cases, antiviral medications may be used to directly target the Epstein-Barr virus. | Treatment for hairy leukoplakia primarily involves managing the underlying condition that has led to the weakened immune system. This may involve antiretroviral therapy for individuals with HIV/AIDS. In some cases, antiviral medications may be used to directly target the Epstein-Barr virus. | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis for individuals with hairy leukoplakia is generally good, particularly if the underlying condition is well-managed. However, the presence of hairy leukoplakia can be an indicator of a weakened immune system, and may signal the progression of HIV to AIDS in individuals with HIV. | The prognosis for individuals with hairy leukoplakia is generally good, particularly if the underlying condition is well-managed. However, the presence of hairy leukoplakia can be an indicator of a weakened immune system, and may signal the progression of HIV to AIDS in individuals with HIV. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Oral candidiasis]] | * [[Oral candidiasis]] | ||
* [[Oral cancer]] | * [[Oral cancer]] | ||
* [[HIV/AIDS]] | * [[HIV/AIDS]] | ||
[[Category:Oral pathology]] | [[Category:Oral pathology]] | ||
[[Category:Conditions of the mucous membranes]] | [[Category:Conditions of the mucous membranes]] | ||
[[Category:Virus-related cutaneous conditions]] | [[Category:Virus-related cutaneous conditions]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 03:55, 4 April 2025
| Hairy leukoplakia | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Oral hairy leukoplakia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | White patch on the tongue |
| Complications | None |
| Onset | Sudden |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection |
| Risks | Immunosuppression, HIV/AIDS |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, Biopsy |
| Differential diagnosis | Oral candidiasis, Leukoplakia, Lichen planus |
| Prevention | Antiretroviral therapy |
| Treatment | Antiviral medication, Topical therapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Benign |
| Frequency | Common in HIV/AIDS patients |
| Deaths | N/A |
Hairy leukoplakia is a medical condition often associated with immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. It is characterized by white patches on the side of the tongue, which have a hairy or corrugated appearance.
Etiology[edit]
Hairy leukoplakia is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a type of herpesvirus. The virus infects the cells on the surface of the tongue, leading to the characteristic white patches.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of hairy leukoplakia is the presence of white patches on the side of the tongue. These patches cannot be scraped off and may have a hairy or corrugated appearance. Other symptoms may include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and a feeling of discomfort in the mouth.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia is typically made based on the appearance of the tongue. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as oral thrush or oral cancer.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for hairy leukoplakia primarily involves managing the underlying condition that has led to the weakened immune system. This may involve antiretroviral therapy for individuals with HIV/AIDS. In some cases, antiviral medications may be used to directly target the Epstein-Barr virus.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with hairy leukoplakia is generally good, particularly if the underlying condition is well-managed. However, the presence of hairy leukoplakia can be an indicator of a weakened immune system, and may signal the progression of HIV to AIDS in individuals with HIV.
