ERYTHROPLAKIA

red patch on oral mucous

membranes
does not indicate a particular
microscopic diagnosis
causes are believed to be similar
to those responsible for oral
cancer
tobacco use, heavy alcohol
consumption, nutritional deficits

Histopathology

seen much less commonly than

leukoplakia
appears as a velvety red patch
with well-defined margins
common sites of involvement
include the floor of the mouth,
tongue, retromolar mucosa, and
soft palate
individuals between 50 to 70 years
of age are usually affected
and no gender predilection
focal white areas representing
keratosis may be seen in some
40% show severe dysplastic
lesions
change
usually supple to touch unless the
about 50% are squamous cell
lesion is invasive
carcinoma
9% mild dysplasia
relative reduction in keratin
Clinical Features
production and increase in
vascularity account for clinical
color
Kaposi's Sarcoma
ecchymosis
Histopathology
contact allergic reaction
vascular malformation
psoriasis
clinical history & examination to
distinguish lesion
biopsy

Differential Diagnosis

surgical excision
excise widely than deeply in
dysplastic and in situ

Treatment