Oral leukoplakia caused by cinnamon food allergy

An oral leukoplakic lesion that was clinically thought to be a squamous cell carcinoma is presented. The cinnamon component of chewing gum was discovered to be the etiologic agent. The case is unusual because of the leukoplakia noted; all other previously reported cases described erythematous patches only. The role of food allergy in the pathophysiology of the lesion is discussed.