1 Forms and stages of pathology

Leukoplakia is classified into two forms:

• simple;
• atypical.

With simple form, accelerated process of cell division is observed. Thus, they are subjected to keratinization and do not have time to be withdrawn. As a result, a dense growth is created on the mucosa of the esophagus, which leads to a narrowing of the passage. Atypical forms are characterized by atrophic changes in tissues.

Leukoplakia has 3 stages of development:

1. In the first stage, only the submucosal layer of the esophagus is affected. At this stage, the pathology can be treated well. If medical care has not been provided, then leukoplakia flows into the next stage.
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2. The second stage is characterized by the destruction of the shell. Pathology in this case can affect the lymph nodes.
3. At the last stage, the entire surface of the esophagus is affected and the lumen narrows.

Depending on the nature of the lesions, leukoplakia is classified by type:

1. For the flat type, a whitish film on the mucosa is characteristic. It has a white or dark gray hue.
2. In the type of the verrucous type, the esophagus mucosa is covered with whitish plaques. It is this type that is considered a precancerous condition.
3. If cracks and ulcers appear on the mucosa, this indicates an erosive type.

2 Causes and symptoms of

The leukoplakia develops in both men and women under the age of 30 years. The cause of the development of pathology can become smoking. When inhaling tobacco tar, the walls of the esophagus become cornified. Nicotine and other harmful substances provoke inflammation in the walls of the esophagus. Abuse of alcoholic beverages can also lead to irritation of the esophagus. In some cases, the cause of leukoplakia can be dentures, and all because the constant presence of metal plates adversely affects the functioning of the esophagus.

Poorly chewed food has an intense strain on the esophagus, which in the future can lead to its destruction. Injury to the walls of the esophagus can still be too hot food.

In the blood, the level of iron content sharply increases. On the walls of the esophagus polyps are formed, which later develop into cancer. Education begins to grow rapidly and metastasize to the mucosa. Formed ulcers and cracks - a fertile soil for the development of malignant tumors.

Clinical symptoms of pathology depend on the location of the inflammatory process. The presence of leukoplakia is indicated by the lesion of the mucosa in the oral cavity. A whitish film may appear on the lower lip or cheeks. The patient is suffering from cough and perspiration in the throat. With the appearance of cracks and ulcers on the mucosa, the patient may complain of pain.

Over time, plaque forms on the site of the plaque. If you do not start treatment, the plaques become firm and dense. Thus, stenosis develops. The surface of the esophagus becomes erosive or warty.

If the cause of the development of pathology is smoking, then the patient is primarily affected by the gum and the sky. The esophagus envelope becomes serous. In this case, after eating sharp or hot dishes, there may be a slight discomfort. Sometimes a symptom of leukoplakia of the esophagus becomes heartburn.

If the pathology flows into the cancer at the initial stage, the patient has difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, weight loss and a sensation of a coma in the throat. At a neglected stage, a symptom of malignancy can be eructations, toxicosis, bad breath and vomiting.

3 Treatment measures

After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive treatment. First of all, the cause of the pathology development is eliminated. It is necessary to exclude hot dishes, stop smoking and alcohol, normalize food, eliminate metal prostheses.

If the cause of the development of pathology is abnormal changes in the stomach, the drug treatment includes the intake of vitamins A, B and tranquilizers.

Conservative treatment means gentle products that not only treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but also do not irritate the esophagus mucosa.

If the drugs are ineffective, doctors perform a surgical removal of the stratified corneal epithelium affected by leukoplakia. The operation can be performed in several ways:

1. Cryosurgery is considered the most effective and less dangerous technique. During the operation, the affected areas of the mucosa are cauterized with liquid nitrogen.
2. When laser coagulation is applied to the affected areas, the laser acts. This method does not cause bleeding and is considered a safe procedure.

One operation of positive dynamics of pathology does not provide, therefore treatment is complex. In the period after the operation, doctors prescribe antibacterial, hormonal and immunostimulating drugs.

Folk methods can be used as an additional treatment for leukoplakia. You can prepare a drink from fir needles or pine. To do this, 5 tbsp.l. Needles, pour 250 ml of water and put on fire. Boil for 10-15 minutes. Take it during the day to 1/3 cup.

When leukoplakia, doctors recommend drinking fresh carrot and beet juice. It is also necessary to balance the food. You should limit the consumption of cottage cheese, milk, eggs and sour cream. About fried and fatty foods and alcohol should be forgotten. Lenten dishes are considered useful. You can eat millet and oatmeal porridge, mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables.