What are the causes of endometrial leukoplakia?

“Uterine leukoplakia” typically refers to vulvar leukoplakia—that is, grayish-white, opaque, plaque-like lesions on the vulva. Although it remains uncertain whether this condition represents a precancerous lesion, any localized white lesion warrants sufficient clinical attention. Below, we address the question of what causes uterine leukoplakia.

What Causes Uterine Leukoplakia?

Uterine leukoplakia refers to a grayish-white, opaque, plaque-like lesion occurring on the vaginal portion of the cervix. Most scholars believe that the whitish patches visible to the naked eye reflect varying degrees of epithelial hyperplasia. With advances in research on cervical precancerous lesions and early-stage cervical cancer—and with the widespread clinical application of colposcopy—this condition has increasingly drawn medical attention. Potential etiologies of uterine leukoplakia include:

1. Endocrine imbalance. Estrogen stimulates follicular development. Fluctuations in circulating estrogen levels can promote or inhibit gonadotropin release, thereby indirectly affecting ovarian function. Estrogen also significantly enhances metabolism in the endometrium and uterine smooth muscle. Excess estrogen may lead to abnormal keratinization of the superficial epithelium.

2. Local irritation. Chronic cervicitis is one of the most common gynecological conditions. It may develop following acute cervicitis or result from cervical lacerations caused by various factors, leading to cervical os deformity and rendering the area highly susceptible to bacterial infection from external sources.

3. Other factors. According to published literature, uterine leukoplakia occasionally coexists with atypical hyperplasia, carcinoma in situ, or early invasive carcinoma. Thus, its pathogenesis may be associated with known carcinogenic factors for cervical cancer.

The above outlines the primary etiological factors underlying uterine leukoplakia. We hope this information proves helpful to you.