• A white patch lesion found on a MUCOUS MEMBRANE that cannot be scraped off. Leukoplakia is generally considered a precancerous condition, however its appearance may also result from a variety of HEREDITARY DISEASES.
  NLM Medical Subject Headings
  U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
• A white patch or plaque on a mucous membrane that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease. The diagnosis of leukoplakia is one of exclusion; other conditions such as candidiasis, lichen planus, leukoedema, etc., must be ruled out before a diagnosis of leukoplakia can be made. Leukoplakia may be a premalignant condition.
  NCI
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• An abnormal patch of white tissue that forms on mucous membranes in the mouth and other areas of the body. It may become cancer. Tobacco (smoking and chewing) and alcohol may increase the risk of leukoplakia in the mouth.
  NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• Thick, white or gray patches on the oral mucosa.
  NICHD Pediatric Terminology
  U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
• With leukoplakia (loo-koh-PLAY-key-uh), thickened, white patches form on your gums, the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and, sometimes, your tongue. These patches can't be scraped off.
  Mayo Clinic
  Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
• Leukoplakia is a condition in which thickened, white patches form on the tongue, gums, inside of the cheek, or sometimes on the outer female genitals. Although the sores can vary in appearance, they are usually white or gray; thick; and slightly raised with a hard surface. The condition is thought to be caused by irritation, but the...
  NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases
  National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
• Leukoplakia, precancerous tumour of the mucous membranes, usually seen in the mouth or on the tongue or cheeks, but also known to occur on the lips, as well as on the vagina, vulva, or anus. Leukoplakia first appears as a small, smooth, white spot (that cannot be scraped off) but develops into a...
  Encyclopedia Britannica
  Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025