hi my name is joanne, i am 43 years old, i live with my partner of 17years christopher, we have four children, 1 girl and 3 boys.
I have had problems with my voice for quite some time, over christmas 2005 my voice became really husky and for a few weeks could not speak at all. i saw my gp and he made a referel to our local hospital, i had a camera inserted through my nose to see what was going on,
i was told i needed a biopsy. Everytime i went for my pre-op it was cancelled due to either high blood pressure, or my asthma.
In the end i was given blood pressure tablets to control my blood pressure.
on the 17th of this month i had my biopsy done, the consultant said there was extensive leukoplakia n 1/3 of vocal chord, I have an appointment at the hospital on the 4th may for my results. im am very worried at going for this appointment as to what the outcome may be.
I would like to hear from someone who has gone through this until my biopsy ive never heard of leukoplakia.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hello jojo

Leukoplakia has been defined as a whitish plaque that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease and is not associated with any physical or chemical causative agent except the use of tobacco.

Patients diagnosed with idiopathic (no known cause) leukoplakia have the highest risk of developing cancer. In studies of these patients, a small percentage had malignant transformation of the lesions in less than 20 years. Risk of developing malignancies at lesion sites is 5 times greater in patients with leukoplakia than without leukoplakia. The location of the leukoplakia is significant in terms of the degree of dysplastic or malignant changes, with the floor of the mouth and the ventral surface of the tongue being especially high risk.

Only a biopsy will tell if a leukoplakia is a cancer. You appear to have had it discovered early enough to treat. My advice would be to relax and wait for the biopsy result and then discuss with your specialist on how best to manage it. Something will need to be done as it is affecting your voice.

Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod