Hello doctor, I am a 31 year old male. I have attached a picture of my mouth's inside. I wish to know if this is oral candidiasis or not, please? If yes, what may be the likely causes? If not, what could this be and what may be the likely causes? I have been a regular smoker for the past 12 years, smoking about five to seven cigarettes daily. I hardly consume alcohol, very rarely if at all. No other addiction. But I normally chew a chewing gum/mint/lozenge every time after smoking but spit it out after chewing very briefly. For the past few days, I have been experiencing a very mild, subtle painless sensation deep inside my mouth on the right side almost on the tonsil or near to it. I do not know if the same is related to this candidiasis. No problem at all in swallowing though or gulping down water. No other apparent symptoms. Another query, is anything alarming visible in the picture? Please help.
Hello. In the attached picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity), there is no indication of candidiasis anywhere including tonsillar area. There is a lot of nicotine staining of teeth as well as the mucosal membrane. There is slightest whitish tinge near the tonsillar area, and also the abnormal sensation in the area could point to the development of future leukoplakia. So this could be the precursor of leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a whitish lesion which occurs due to chronic irritation like smoking, etc., which has a risk of cancer development. So, at present, there is nothing alarming, but it could become in due time. So, this is the perfect time to take action and reduce smoking gradually. You can use nicotine gums initially to reduce the smoking. Everyone may not tolerate smoking that well. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts. For more information consult an internal medicine physician online -->