Hairy leukoplakia
Hairy leukoplakia | |
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Specialty | Gastroenterology, dentistry |
Hairy leukoplakia (also known as "oral hairy leukoplakia"[1]: 385 ) is a white patch on the side of the tongue with a corrugated or hairy appearance.
Causes
Hairy leukoplakia is seen in severe defects of immunity, particularly in HIV infection. The cause of this condition is an opportunistic infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). After the primary EBV infection has been overcome, the virus stays latent in the B cells and also causes lytic infection in the oropharynx, controlled by the immune system. Uncontrolled lytic infection in the oropharynx is manifested as oral hairy leukoplakia in immunosuppressed hosts. Oral hairy leukoplakia is not associated with any malignant potential.[citation needed]
In 1992, the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine reported on two cases of oral hairy leukoplakia occurring in patients without any risk factors for HIV infection, or any other evidence of immune deficiency.[2] It has been observed in patients on steroid therapy.[3]
Treatment
The condition does not cause any other symptoms and does not require any treatment.[citation needed] If treatment is required, acyclovir or valacyclovir is sometimes used.[4]
See also
References
- ^ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
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(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Eisenberg E, Krutchkoff D, Yamase H. (1992). "Incidental oral hairy leukoplakia in immunocompetent persons. A report of two cases". Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 74 (3): 332–3. doi:10.1016/0030-4220(92)90070-7. PMID 1328983.
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: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Piperi E, Omlie J, Pambuccian S, Koutlas IG (2008). "Oral Hairy Leukoplakia in HIV-Negative Patients: Report of 10 Cases". Int. J. Surg. Pathol. 18 (3): 177–83. doi:10.1177/1066896908327865. PMID 19033322.
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ignored (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Walling DM, Flaitz CM, Nichols CM (2003). "Epstein-Barr virus replication in oral hairy leukoplakia: response, persistence, and resistance to treatment with valacyclovir". J. Infect. Dis. 188 (6): 883–90. doi:10.1086/378072. PMID 12964120.
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External links
- Overview at tthhivclinic.com
- Clinical Trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC
- Clinical Trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC