Description: leukoedema appears as a filmy, opaque, white to slate gray discoloration of mucosa, chiefly buccal mucosa. Redundancy of the mucosa may impart a folded or wrinkled appearance to the relaxed mucous membrane. It partially disappears when the mucosa is stretched. It is stated to be seen in 90% of Blacks and 40% of Whites.
Etiology: leukoedema is a variation of normal which should not be confused with something ominous. Intracellular edema of the superficial epithelial cells coupled with retention of superficial parakeratin is thought to account for the white appearance.
Treatment: None required.
Prognosis: Good
Differential diagnosis: White sponge nevus, hereditary benign intraepithelial dyskeratosis, and dyskeratosis congenita. All are extremely rare .