Hairy leukoplakia is a condition that causes thick, white patches to develop on the tongue. The condition may develop into cancer over time.
Hairy leukoplakia usually occurs in people who have a severely weakened immune system, such as those with AIDS. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play a role in the development of hairy leukoplakia.
Author:Jeannette Curtis
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated: 05/25/2007
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