Suggest Treatment For White Spots On Tongue

Posted on Sat, 23 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have developed some say 2 /3 white spots on my tongue . I am advised to get biopsy done.
The cancer specialist first advised me to take Lycored capsules 2 morning and 2 evening for
15 days and than he would check again and study the white spots and than proceed with biopsy
if necessary. I have been smoking since last 25 years but just 3/5 day .
Kindly advise if this is right treatment and does these spots develop due to smoking or other
types of things put in mouth for smell or taste .

Answered by Dr. Divakara (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs evaluation if spots are there since long XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
HI
Thanks for posting your query to HCM .

There are many causes for White Spots over the tongue . It could be simple Aphthous Ulcers which can happen due to stress , trauma from tooth or dentures , could be a Fungal Infection or even a bacterial infection . All these are simple and easily treatable conditions .

But there are certain conditions like Squamous Cell Carcinoma ( type of cancer ) , Sub Mucous Fibrosis etc which are or can become dangerous .

If your problem is since few days then it's most likely due to simple causes but if it's there since weeks or months then we need to consider it seriously .

Lycored is a Lycopene with anti oxidant supplement . This will help if your spots if it is due to Aphtous ulcers .

I advise you to continue these medicine and if white spots are still present go for the biopsy .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (43 minutes later)

thanks Dr. Divakara ,

You have not answered how one develops these white spots . They are present since last 3 weeks only. I also see some diminish gradually after taking the medicine
Lycored capsules.
Is there any other treatment you recommend . I am going to Germany on 11th September for 2 weeks and should I get the biopsy done before leaving if the spots due not disapear completely.

Answered by Dr. Divakara (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Spots can be due to many reasons

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I have mentioned how one gets these spots .

1. Aphthous ulcers--due to stress , trauma from tooth or dentures
2. Fungal Infection-- If there is long standing Diabetes or Immuno supression.
3. Bacterial Infection-- Due to bad oral hygiene or a spread from throat infection.
4. Carcinoma or Sub mucus Fibrosis-- Due to smoking or chewing Tobacco .

I would like to see a photo of your spots so that I can advise any additional treatment . Kindly upload images.

Yes, if your Spots doesn't disappear by 1 week then you better get the biopsy done .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Divakara (41 minutes later)

ok shall send you photo of my tongue and same is uploaded on new reports .

Answered by Dr. Divakara (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs Biopsy .

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for uploading the photo .

Looking at the photo it is definitely neither Fungal infection nor Bacterial infection .

It is looking like Leucoplakia which is a precursor of malignancy . It is better you get Biopsy done .

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari