Leucoplakia is a term derived from the Greek λεvkós, white, and πλáξ, a surface, literally white surface or whitening of the surface.
Definition.
—Leucoplakia is a chronic superficial inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue, the palate, the cheeks, and the gums, and is characterized by the presence of pearly-white or bluishwhite plaques or patches; in some cases small, in others covering the entire dorsum of the tongue, the cheeks from the angle of the mouth back to the fauces, the palate, or the entire buccal surface of the gums. Various terms, such as ''leucoplakia linguæ,'' ''leucoplakia buccalis,'' and ''leucoplakia gingivæ,'' have been introduced to designate the location of the disease.
Nomenclature.
—The disease is variously known as psoriasis linguæ, zona (herpes zoster), smoker's patch, leucoma, leucoplakia, ichthyosis, leucokeratosis, leucoplasia, leucoplaques, plaques opalines and superficial glossitis.
Varieties.
—There are two forms of leucoplaques found in the human mouth; the