Hairy leukoplakia is a white patch on the side of the tongue with a corrugated or hairy appearance.
Hairy leukoplakia is seen in severe defects of immunity, particularly in HIV infection. The cause of this condition is an opportunistic infection by the Epstein-Barr virus. Oral hairy leukoplakia is not associated with any malignant potential.
The condition does not cause any other symptoms and does not require any treatment.
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