What is the major complication associated with untreated leukoplakia?

The major complication associated with untreated leukoplakia is cancer development. Leukoplakia refers to white patches that occur on the mucous membranes of the mouth, which may result from irritation, smoking, or other causes. While many cases of leukoplakia are benign, certain types of leukoplakia can be precursors to oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially if they exhibit dysplastic changes upon biopsy. This potential for malignant transformation underscores the importance of monitoring and, when necessary, biopsying leukoplakic lesions to rule out cancer.

In contrast, chronic pain, infection, and oral thrush are not primary complications linked specifically to untreated leukoplakia. Although individuals with leukoplakia might experience discomfort or pain due to the presence of lesions, those symptoms are not the direct outcome of the condition itself leading to cancer. Similarly, while infections can occur in any part of the oral cavity, they are not a direct consequence of leukoplakia. Oral thrush is a fungal infection that is not inherently related to the leukoplakic condition. Thus, the focus on the risk of cancer development accurately highlights the critical concern regarding untreated leukoplakia.