Why Do I Have A White Spot On My Tongue After A History Of Chewing Tobacco?

Posted on Sun, 1 Jul 2018

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

Sun, 1 Jul 2018 Answered on

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a white spot on my tongue. It is freaking me out. I have a history of chewing tobacco and smoking. The spot is painless and I cannot scrape it off. I am worried that it is cancerous. I don't have access to a doctor. I cannot attach the picture files (I don't know why) so I have added an imgur link below with the pictures from yesterday and today.

I forgot to mention that I also have some problems with biting my tongue and friction marks on my tongue when I am asleep and thought this could be a cause. The white doesn't feel rough or anything, just soft like the tongue tissue.I just wanted your opinion if this is leukoplakia, or some kind of possibly a precancerous lesion?

Answered by Dr. Naveen (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It’s mucositis over the side of the tongue

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Do not worry! It’s a case of oral mucositis and I don’t see any leukoplakia.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Try making a paste of oral steroid (take a tab of prednisone 5mg, powder it, add few drops of water, make it like a paste and apply over the affected area, 3 times a day).
3. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
4. Avoid tobacco, sharp foods such as chips, coffee, chilled food and beverages and hot beverages.

Hope with the above measures, the inflammation may reduce.
Regards,
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana