A few days ago I started a thread titled "Oral Cancer Scare". After looking at many sites and pics on the internet I'm pretty sure what I have instead is leukoplakia. Here's how the world-famous Mayo Clinic describes it:
"This condition causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth, including on the tongue. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer. So it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of white patches on your tongue. Leukoplakia can develop when the tongue has been irritated, and it is often found in people who use tobacco products."
What's scary is that this condition can be a precursor to cancer. I'm going to see a dentist to be sure, but I think this serves as a huge red flag in my life indicating that I should stop smoking altogether. You'll probably see additional posts on this site from me selling my pipes and my prodigious collection of bulk tobaccos.
By the way, have any of you ever had this condition? If so, what did you do about it?
"This condition causes cells in the mouth to grow excessively. That, in turn, leads to the formation of white patches inside the mouth, including on the tongue. Although not dangerous on its own, leukoplakia can be a precursor to cancer. So it is important for your dentist to determine the cause of white patches on your tongue. Leukoplakia can develop when the tongue has been irritated, and it is often found in people who use tobacco products."
What's scary is that this condition can be a precursor to cancer. I'm going to see a dentist to be sure, but I think this serves as a huge red flag in my life indicating that I should stop smoking altogether. You'll probably see additional posts on this site from me selling my pipes and my prodigious collection of bulk tobaccos.
By the way, have any of you ever had this condition? If so, what did you do about it?