Leukoedema

Definition:
It's a normal variation of the buccal mucosa, or inside surface of the cheek. It presents as a white-bluish tinge of the buccal mucosa but the color disappears when the cheek is stretched. This aids to differentiate this lesion from other similar looking conditions which could be premalignant, such as leukoplakia. It is more prevalent in people who have dark skin and can be more intense in smokers.

Etiology:
Intracellular edema of the superficial epithelial cells coupled with retention of superficial parakeratin is thought to account for the white appearance. Microscopic examination reveals superficial squamous cells have a clear, seemingly empty cytoplasm but it has not been shown that there is an increase in intracellular water. Thus, the term edema is questionable.

Histology:
The white appearance is caused by water within the spinous cells causing the light to reflect back as whitish.

Treatment:
None required.

Differential Diagnosis:
- White sponge nevus
- hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis
- dyskeratosis congenital...
All are extremely rare.

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:: World Of Dentistry :: TEAM