AEGiS-Miami Herald: EXPERT: Watch Tongue for White AIDS Patch

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

EXPERT: Watch Tongue for White AIDS Patch

Miami Herald - Monday, February 16, 1987
David Ansley

CHICAGO - People who suspect they may have been exposed to the AIDS virus should keep an eye on their tongues for one of the disease's early symptoms: a small, white, painless patch, according to John Greenspan, a University of California professor. The sore, never seen before the AIDS epidemic, appears to be a sign of an especially virulent case of the disease. "This is one of the things to look out for," he said Saturday. "It's easy to look in your mouth." He also has urged dentists to watch for it in their patients. Like the AIDS virus, the sores are not limited to gay men. Greenspan, chairman of University of California at San Francisco's oral biology division, spoke at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He said he believes the telltale white patches, called oral hairy leukoplakia, will be "an important sign of HIV infection in other risk groups." HIV is one name given to the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1987. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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