Which of the following lesions cannot be wiped off?

Which of the following lesions cannot be wiped off?

• A. Candidiasis
• B. Leukoplakia
• C. Leukoedema
• D. Mucocele

Answer: (B)

Leukoplakia refers to the presence of white patches or plaques on the mucous membranes, typically found in the oral cavity. One of the defining characteristics of leukoplakia is that it cannot be wiped off gently. This persistence is a key feature that helps differentiate leukoplakia from other conditions such as candidiasis, where the lesions are due to fungal overgrowth and can usually be removed with scraping, revealing a reddened surface beneath. Leukoplakia is often considered a potential precursor to oral cancer, which further emphasizes the importance of recognizing its non-removable nature. In contrast, candidiasis is an infectious fungal condition, while leukoedema and mucoceles have different presentations: leukoedema is a benign, diffuse grayish white lesion that typically does appear more prominently in certain conditions but is often more visible under certain lights or under stretching of the buccal mucosa and does not represent a pathological process. Mucoceles, on the other hand, are fluid-filled cysts that may appear bluish and are typically disruptable. Thus, the inability to wipe off leukoplakia serves as a significant diagnostic cue in oral examinations, highlighting its relevance in medical and dental practices.

Leukoplakia refers to the presence of white patches or plaques on the mucous membranes, typically found in the oral cavity. One of the defining characteristics of leukoplakia is that it cannot be wiped off gently. This persistence is a key feature that helps differentiate leukoplakia from other conditions such as candidiasis, where the lesions are due to fungal overgrowth and can usually be removed with scraping, revealing a reddened surface beneath.

Leukoplakia is often considered a potential precursor to oral cancer, which further emphasizes the importance of recognizing its non-removable nature. In contrast, candidiasis is an infectious fungal condition, while leukoedema and mucoceles have different presentations: leukoedema is a benign, diffuse grayish white lesion that typically does appear more prominently in certain conditions but is often more visible under certain lights or under stretching of the buccal mucosa and does not represent a pathological process. Mucoceles, on the other hand, are fluid-filled cysts that may appear bluish and are typically disruptable.

Thus, the inability to wipe off leukoplakia serves as a significant diagnostic cue in oral examinations, highlighting its relevance in medical and dental practices.