Oral Hairy Leukoplakia

Hi Doctors how are you? I have a question regarding oral hairy leukplakia. Is it possible to develop it 4 1/2 years after a possible exposure? If so would adentist notice it? I went to 2 clinics to the night shift telling them I had something bothering me on the side to see if they said something and they didn't mention anything about leukoplakia. And 3 days ago i went to my regular dentist and asked her about that white side of my tongue and she was not clear but she didn't mention leukoplakia. The question is if oral hairy leukoplakia can be easily noticed by any dentist and if they would tell me about it?
Thanks in advance and congrats for you job

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  I read some of your interactions on the HIV Prevention Community site and see that you are worried about whitish patches that have appeared in your mouth.  The answer to your question is that dentists are increasingly being called upon to diagnose lots of oral health problem, including thrush and oral hairy leukoplakia and most should be able to recognize it.  Furthermore, I would add that there are lots and lots of pale to whish lesions which regualrly appear in peoles mouths.  Your dentist should certainly be able to tell you if it is something serious.  Sometimes there are benign discolorations which represent normal person-to-person variation.

EWH

[worried161]

Thanks for your quick answer doctor, yes I've written in the other forums before but does white patches (on the tip of my tongue and so) are gone. The one I have know that worries me is on the right side of my tongue and along the side of my tongue and that's the one I ask the dentist. I read that hairy leukoplakia cannot be removed, but are the patches hard? I mean if I touch the white patches on the side of my tongue they change their shape, they can't be removed but they change their shape, is this caharasteristic of oral leukoplakia? besides the timming for developing it and by itself (no other really noticeable symptoms) after a possible exposure 4 1/2 years ago is it correct?
Thanks again

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No HL patches are not "hard".  In fact the majority of person with HL are not aware that they have it.  

I went back and reviewed your posts.  It appears that you have not had an HIV test yet you worry about various problems, particualrly those occurring in your mouth as possible manifestations of infection. To do this is a waste of your time and energy.  Getting tested does not give a person HIV but it does give them the power to know what is going on and whether or not they have the infection.  Most tests are negative and if you were so unfortunate as to have HIV, the test would allow you to seek treatment sooner.  In your case, your risk is close to if not actualy zero.  There is no reason to delay or avoid HIV testing.

This will conclude this thread.  You need to be tested, not worried about HL as an indicator of HIV infection.  EWH