oral hairy leukoplakia

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a condition characterized by the presence of white patches on the tongue, typically on the lateral borders and dorsum. These patches can be smooth, flat, and small or irregular, "hairy," or "feathery" in appearance with prominent folds or projections [1][2].

The patches are usually asymptomatic and do not wipe off, making them distinct from other oral lesions [2]. They can be unilateral or bilateral and may vary in size. In some cases, the patches can cause discomfort or pain, but this is less common.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is also responsible for causing infectious mononucleosis [3][4]. The exact mechanism of how EBV leads to OHL is not fully understood, but it is believed that the virus causes changes in the oral mucosa that lead to the formation of these white patches.

It's worth noting that leukoplakia can refer to a broader category of conditions characterized by white patches in the mouth. However, when specifically referring to "hairy" or "feathery" lesions on the tongue, it is more accurate to use the term oral hairy leukoplakia [5].

References: [1] M Rathee · 2023 [2] Oral hairy leukoplakia presents as asymptomatic white plaques on the lateral tongue which do not wipe off. [3] Oral hairy leukoplakia is a condition triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus. The condition causes white patches on your tongue. [4] Jun 11, 2021 — Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a disease of the mucosa first described in 1984. This pathology is associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and occurs mostly ... [5] Jan 9, 2023 — Leukoplakia causes white patches in the mouth that can't be scraped off. There's no known cause for leukoplakia (when it's not of the "oral ...

Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Signs and Symptoms

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a condition characterized by the presence of white, hairy patches on the tongue

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests.

Clinical Examination A healthcare provider can often diagnose OHL from a physical exam alone, as the patches are easy to identify [6]. However, a biopsy may be necessary in some cases to confirm the diagnosis.

Biopsy A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis of OHL. This test is usually not done unless the patches look abnormal or if your healthcare provider suspects another condition [1][5][8].

Virologic Studies In addition to a biopsy, virologic studies such as immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridisation, or electron microscopy can be used to confirm the diagnosis of OHL. These tests can detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, RNA, or protein within the epithelial cells of the lesion [3][4][9].

In-Situ Hybridization In-situ hybridization for EBV is usually performed for diagnostic purposes. This test can help confirm the diagnosis of OHL by detecting the presence of EBV in the affected tissue.

It's worth noting that a definitive diagnosis of OHL requires both an appropriate histologic/cytologic appearance and demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, RNA, or protein within the epithelial cells of the lesion [3].

References: [1] A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis. But this test often isn't done unless the patches look abnormal. Or a biopsy may be done if your ... [2] by LL Martins · 2017 · Cited by 20 — In situ hybridization (ISH) is the gold-standard diagnosis of OHL, but some authors believe in the possibility of performing the diagnosis based on clinical ... [3] Jun 11, 2021 — A definitive diagnosis of hairy leukoplakia requires both an appropriate histologic/cytologic appearance and demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, RNA ... [4] The diagnosis should be confirmed on biopsy and virologic studies such as immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridisation, or electron microscopy [see Oral hairy ... [5] A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis. But this test often isn't done unless the patches look abnormal. Or a biopsy may be done if your ... [6] Oral hairy leukoplakia patches are easy to identify. Healthcare providers can often diagnose it from a physical exam alone. A mouth infection called thrush ... [7] Aug 26, 2023 — A type of leukoplakia of the mouth, called oral hairy leukoplakia, is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It is seen mostly in people with HIV ... [8] A biopsy of one of the patches can confirm the diagnosis. But this test often isn't done unless the patches look abnormal. Or a biopsy may be done if your ... [9] Diagnosis requires demonstration of EBV DNA, RNA, or protein within the epithelial cells of the lesion. In-situ hybridisation for EBV is usually performed for ...

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) can be treated with various medications, including antiviral and topical treatments.

• Antiviral medicines: Taking antiviral medicine is a common treatment for OHL. These medicines can help keep the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes OHL, under control. According to [4], taking pills such as antiviral medicines can be an effective way to treat OHL.
• Topical treatments: Topical treatments, such as vitamin A acid and acyclovir, have also been used to treat OHL. Vitamin A acid has been shown to be effective in treating OHL, with one study noting complete clinical resolution after three treatments [6].
• Other medications: Other medications, such as topical retinoic acid and gentian violet solution, have also been used to treat OHL. Gentian violet solution was applied topically to the tongue of a patient with OHL and resulted in complete clinical resolution [6].

It's worth noting that treatment is not usually required for OHL, as it is often asymptomatic and not premalignant [7]. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, medical attention should be sought.

References: [4] - Medicine. You may take pills, such as antiviral medicines. [6] - Gentian violet solution was applied topically to the tongue of a patient with OHL. [7] - Treatment is not usually required as oral hairy leukoplakia is asymptomatic and not premalignant.

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is a condition characterized by the appearance of white patches or lesions on the tongue and other parts of the mouth. When diagnosing OHL, it's essential to consider several differential diagnoses that can mimic its symptoms.

Possible Differential Diagnoses:

• Oral Candidiasis: This fungal infection can cause white patches or plaques on the tongue and other oral mucosa, similar to OHL [1][7].
• Oral Lichen Planus: An autoimmune condition that can lead to inflammation of the oral mucosa, resulting in white lesions or patches [2][6].
• Geographic Tongue: A condition characterized by redness, swelling, and loss of papillae on the tongue, which can be mistaken for OHL [2].

Other Conditions:

• Pseudomembranous Candidiasis: A fungal infection that can cause white patches or plaques on the oral mucosa, similar to OHL [8].
• Idiopathic Leukoplakia: A condition characterized by the appearance of white lesions or patches on the oral mucosa without a known cause [9].

Key Points:

• Oral hairy leukoplakia is often associated with significant immunosuppression at the time of diagnosis [4].
• A biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis, especially if the patches look abnormal or if there's suspicion of cancer [3][5].

It's essential for healthcare professionals to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with symptoms of oral hairy leukoplakia. Accurate diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

References:

[1] Context result 2 [2] Context result 6 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 5 [5] Context result 7 [6] Context result 8 [7] Context result 9