Final answer:
White patches on the tongue that can develop into malignant tumors may signify an opportunistic infection such as oral thrush, particularly in immune-compromised individuals, possibly indicating a serious underlying condition like HIV/AIDS where Kaposi's sarcoma may also appear. Treatment for thrush involves topical or systemic antifungal medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition in which white patches appear on the tongue and may develop into malignant tumors is likely an opportunistic infection such as oral candidiasis, also known as oral thrush, in an immune-compromised patient. It could be an indication of a more serious underlying condition such as HIV/AIDS, where Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, could also manifest. Oral candidiasis is characterized by white patches and pseudomembranes in the mouth that can be associated with bleeding. If untreated, these infections could potentially lead to more severe complications. Treatments for oral thrush include topical applications such as nystatin or clotrimazole oral suspensions, with systemic treatment like azoles or amphotericin B reserved for severe or resistant cases.
Melanoma, on the other hand, typically presents as brown or black patches with uneven borders and a raised surface and is known as the most fatal of all skin cancers due to its metastatic nature. However, while melanoma is a skin cancer that can appear anywhere on the body, it is not directly associated with white patches on the tongue.
It is essential to distinguish between benign conditions that may cause white patches, such as thrush or tonsillitis, and signs that could indicate HIV or cancer. Diagnosis and treatment should be guided by a healthcare professional after a thorough evaluation.