Erythroplakia

Erythroplakia: Definition, Etiology, Clinical feature, Histology, Treatment

Definition:
Any bright red velvety plaque/ lesion of the oral mucosa which can't be characterized as any other lesion/condition clinically or pathologically is erythroplakia.

Some other conditions that appear red are:
   1. Dermatosis
   2. Inflammatory condition due to local infection
   3. Subacute or chronic stomatitis
   4. Early squamous cell carcinoma
   5. Tuberculosis

Etiology:
   Unknown
   - Likely Smoking and alcohol abuse

Clinical features:

   Age: > 50 years
   Sex: M > F (slightly)
   Site: Floor of mouth, soft palate and buccal mucosa (common)
Smooth, bright red, velvety to granular and nodular lesion



Histological features:
   A) Epithelium:
      1. lack of keratinization, hence thin epithelium and underlying microvasculature show through, therefore cause red color appearance
      2. Often atrophic but may be hyperplastic
   B) Connective tissue:
       - Chronic inflammatory cells can be seen

Treatment:
   1. Observation for one to two weeks following elimination of suspected irritants
   2. Prompt biopsy for lesion that persists
   3. Surgical excision
 
Recurrent rate is < 5%
    
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