Oral Hairy Leukoplakia

Oral hairy leukoplakia is EBV-induced corrugated/hairy white lesion on the lateral borders of the tongue, seen in immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS), usually asymptomatic. Treatment: treat underlying immunosuppression (ART for HIV); observe if asymptomatic; antiviral (aciclovir/ganciclovir) if symptomatic; surgical removal if bothersome; good oral hygiene; monitor for other AIDS-defining lesions; follow-up with infectious disease.

Common Symptoms

Corrugated/hairy white lateral-tongue lesion; asymptomatic; in immunocompromised/HIV

Causes and Pathogenesis

EBV proliferation in immunocompromised epithelium causes hairy hyperkeratosis.

Treatment

Treat immunosuppression (ART); observe; antiviral if symptomatic; surgery if bothersome

Preventive Measures

Control HIV/immunosuppression; oral hygiene.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Oral Medicine/Infectious-disease/ENT department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.