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Oral hairy leukoplakia

Author: Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 2005; DermNet NZ Update August 2021. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell.


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What is oral hairy leukoplakia?

Oral hairy leukoplakia is an Epstein-Barr virus infection of the tongue with a characteristic ‘corrugated or shaggy appearance’ seen most commonly in immunocompromised patients.

Oral hairy leukoplakia

Who gets oral hairy leukoplakia?

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) was first described in HIV-positive homosexual men, and subsequently seen in all HIV-positive cohorts except for infants. OHL can be the initial indicator of HIV infection, or may suggest poor compliance with or failure of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

OHL can be seen with drug-induced immunosuppression such as required for organ and bone-marrow transplants, primary blood disorders, and with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma.

Oral hairy leukoplakia is also rarely described in immunocompetent patients. Recent case series report a white male predominance, and mean age at diagnosis of 50-60 years.

What causes oral hairy leukoplakia?

Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of the tongue epithelium where there are few or no Langerhans cells. EBV delays apoptosis resulting in epithelial cell proliferation and hyperplasia. In OHL EBV is seen as intact virions and does not incorporate into the cell genome.

What are the clinical features of oral hairy leukoplakia? 

Oral hairy leukoplakia presents as asymptomatic white plaques on the lateral tongue which do not wipe off. It may be unilateral or bilateral. The appearance can range from faint white streaks to a furrowed corrugated surface. OHL is rarely also seen elsewhere in the oropharynx but not on other mucosal surfaces.

Discomfort, burning, or stinging may be reported by the patient.

Oral hairy leukoplakia

Figure 1 used with permission from: Darling MR, Alkhasawneh M, Mascarenhas W, Chirila A, Copete M. Oral hairy leukoplakia in patients with no evidence of immunosuppression: a case series and review of the literature. J Can Dent Assoc. 2018;84:i4. Image copyright Canadian Dental Association.

Figure 2 used with permission from: Greenspan JS, Greenspan D, Webster-Cyriaque J. Hairy leukoplakia; lessons learned: 30-plus years. Oral Dis. 2016;22 Suppl 1:120–7. Image copyright Prof D Greenspan.

What are the complications of oral hairy leukoplakia?

  • Oral hairy leukoplakia associated with HIV infection is a sign of severe immunosuppression and progression to AIDS
  • Secondary candidiasis can obscure the clinical and histological features of OHL
  • OHL is not a premalignant lesion

How is oral hairy leukoplakia diagnosed?

Oral hairy leukoplakia may be suspected in an immunocompromised patient with the typical clinical features and no other cause for oral leukoplakia identified.

The diagnosis should be confirmed on biopsy and virologic studies such as immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridisation, or electron microscopy [see Oral hairy leukoplakia pathology]. In-situ hybridisation for EBV DNA or RNA can also be performed on a surface scraping or smear.

What is the differential diagnosis for oral hairy leukoplakia?

What is the treatment for oral hairy leukoplakia?

Treatment is not usually required as oral hairy leukoplakia is asymptomatic and not premalignant.

Pharmaceutical measures

  • Topical retinoic acid, gentian violet, and 25% podophyllin resin have been used in small patient numbers, usually with recurrence observed in days to months
  • Aciclovir and other anti-viral agents can inhibit replication of EBV resulting in clinical improvement but latent infection which reactivates when the drug is ceased
  • Antiretroviral therapy improves the appearance in those with HIV-associated OHL

Surgical measures

What is the outcome for oral hairy leukoplakia?

Oral hairy leukoplakia is not cured by treatment. It may resolve spontaneously. OHL does not progress to oral cancer.

 

Bibliography

  • Alramadhan SA, Bhattacharyya I, Cohen DM, Islam MN. Oral hairy leukoplakia in immunocompetent patients revisited with literature review. Head Neck Pathol. 2021;10.1007/s12105-021-01287-8. doi:10.1007/s12105-021-01287-8. PubMed
  • Brasileiro CB, Abreu MH, Mesquita RA. Critical review of topical management of oral hairy leukoplakia. World J Clin Cases. 2014;2(7):253–6. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v2.i7.253. Journal
  • Darling MR, Alkhasawneh M, Mascarenhas W, Chirila A, Copete M. Oral hairy leukoplakia in patients with no evidence of immunosuppression: a case series and review of the literature. J Can Dent Assoc. 2018;84:i4. Journal
  • Greenspan JS, Greenspan D, Webster-Cyriaque J. Hairy leukoplakia; lessons learned: 30-plus years. Oral Dis. 2016;22 Suppl 1:120–7. doi:10.1111/odi.12393. Journal

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