2021 Volume 42 Issue 3 Pages 289-292
We report a case of leukoplakia-like white lesions on the tongue of a patient with autism spectrum disorder.
The patient was a 29-year-old male. He had regular dental examinations at a dental clinic for special needs. We found leukoplakia-like white lesions on the left lower tongue surface, and leukoplakia was suspected. We considered referring the patient to another hospital for a detailed examination, but could not find a hospital in the same prefecture that would accept people with disabilities.
We referred him to a university dental hospital in another prefecture, sharing information about the patient with the hospital. A biopsy and total excision were performed under general anesthesia at the hospital, and the pathological diagnosis was hyperkeratosis. His postoperative condition was favorable.
This case shows the importance of regular examinations for patients to detect diseases at an early stage. Cooperation between hospitals and clinics is also important. Since the number of tertiary medical institutions that can accept people with disabilities is still limited, it is necessary to strengthen the medical system in the future.
