Erythroplasia
Also known as: Erythroplakia
Bright red velvety plaque in the mouth. Over 50% harbor cancer at diagnosis - the most dangerous oral precancer.
What to look for
Side-by-side comparison
Normal mouth
Pink, healthy mucosa
Erythroplasia
Bright red velvety patch
Erythroplasia appears as a bright red, velvety, well-defined patch on oral mucous membranes. Unlike leukoplakia's white patches, erythroplasia is red - and far more dangerous.
At biopsy, over 50% already contain carcinoma in situ or invasive SCC, and approximately 90% show at least severe dysplasia. This makes erythroplasia a much higher-risk finding than leukoplakia.
Most common in men aged 50-70 with tobacco and alcohol use. Any persistent red mouth patch lasting over two weeks requires urgent evaluation.
Quick self-check
Does this look like erythroplasia? Answer 2 questions.
Is there a persistent red, velvety patch inside your mouth?
Has it been there more than two weeks?
Risk factors
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol (especially with tobacco)
- Age 50-70
- Male sex
- Betel nut chewing
When to see a dermatologist
- ⚠Any persistent red mouth patch lasting more than two weeks - URGENT
- ⚠A velvety red area on tongue, floor of mouth, or palate
- ⚠Mixed red and white mouth patches
Often confused with
Not sure if this is erythroplasia? Compare:
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Why is erythroplasia more dangerous than leukoplakia?
Leukoplakia has 3-17% malignant transformation rate. Erythroplasia already contains carcinoma in over 50% of cases at biopsy. A red mouth patch is far more urgent than a white one.