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
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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.
Sources
Based on clinical guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). Statistics from NCI SEER Program and IARC GLOBOCAN. Staging per AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed. Full methodology