Oral Hairy Leukoplakia -A Comprehensive Review

Sarvesh Vijay; Shalu Srivastava

doi:10.36437/ijdrd.2019.1.2.F

Sarvesh Vijay Co-Investigator, Oral Research Wing, M.S Clinical Research (P) Ltd. ,Halsuru, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Shalu Srivastava Resident Dental Surgeon, Just Dental- A Corporate Dental Chain, Basaveshwara Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36437/ijdrd.2019.1.2.F

Keywords: Oral Hairy Leukoplakia, Immunodeficiency, Tongue, White.

Abstract

Background: Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) was described three years after the first patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS) were reported in 1981. It is a clinical manifestation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection almost exclusively found in patients with untreated advanced HIV disease and typically
occurs on the lateral border of the tongue of HIV–infected individuals and other groups of immunocompromised individuals.

It appears as a soft, corrugated, painless plaques or white patches on lateral borders of tongue and can extend to involve the dorsum of tongue and buccal mucosa. The surface may be so thick as to produce hairlike projections. It is asymptomatic and rarely seen in children. Most often it coexists with oral candidiasis and may be masked by it. It is an indication of advanced immunodeficiency, a more rapid progression to AIDS and a poor prognosis.

It can be diagnosed by demonstration of EBV antigens in epithelial cell nuclei by in-situ hybridisation. Incisional biopsy is also useful in its diagnosis, as it shows characteristic EBV nuclear inclusions in upperlayer keratinocytes. Oral Hairy Leukoplakia rarely requires treatment, it may resolve spontaneously. This review article is to highlight the History, Etiopathogenesis, Demographics, Clinical features, Diagnostic aids, and Differential Diagnosis of Oral Hairy Leukoplakia.