Erythroplakia
Pronunciation: eh-RITH-roh-PLAY-kee-uh
A fiery red oral mucosal patch that cannot be attributed to any other identifiable disease and carries a high risk of malignant transformation.
Full Definition
Erythroplakia is the red counterpart to oral leukoplakia and is considerably rarer but clinically more sinister, with studies reporting that the majority of lesions demonstrate severe dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, or invasive squamous cell carcinoma on biopsy. It presents as a velvety, well-demarcated erythematous patch most commonly on the floor of the mouth, soft palate, or ventral tongue. Urgent biopsy is mandatory. Editors should note the preferred spelling 'erythroplakia' (not 'erythroplasia of the oral cavity', which is a distinct entity) and should flag any confusion with erythroplasia of Queyrat, which affects genital mucosa.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with erythroplasia of Queyrat (a genital mucosal condition). Flag if author conflates the two when editing.
In Context
- "Urgent biopsy was indicated for the persistent erythroplakia identified on the floor of the mouth." — Oral surgery referral letter
- "The report distinguished between erythroplakia and erythroleukoplakia on the basis of colour uniformity." — Oral pathology case series