A 46 yo known chronic cigarette smoker presents with a nontender white, thick patches on the oral mucosa. The lesion does not wipe away or disappear when stretched. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A 46 yo known chronic cigarette smoker presents with a nontender white, thick patches on the oral mucosa. The lesion does not wipe away or disappear when stretched. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Oral candidiasis 
B. Leukoedema
C. Lichen planus
D. Oral leukoplakia

Ans:Option D✔ 

 The etiology of most cases of oral leukoplakia is unknown(idiopathic). Follow-studies suggest that cancer is more likely to occur in individuals with idiopathic leukoplakia than in individuals who do not have this lesion. Thus, idiopathic leukoplakia is considered a premalignant lesion. Factors most frequently blamed for the development of idiopathic leukoplakia include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, chronic irritation, candidiasis, vitamin deficiency, endocrine disturbances, and possibly a virus. 
Treatment may include Surgical excision with follow-up cryotherapy ablation and carbon dioxide laser ablation.