Erythroplakia

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What is the meaning of Erythroplakia?

Erythroplakia is widely used term in Dental Conditions.

Erythroplakia is a term used in dental conditions to describe a red patch or lesion that occurs on the mucous membranes of the mouth. It is a potentially serious condition as it can indicate the presence of premalignant or malignant changes in the affected area.

Unlike leukoplakia, which is a white patch that can also be precancerous, erythroplakia is characterized by its red coloration. This redness is due to increased blood flow and thinning of the epithelial tissue in the area.

Erythroplakia has a higher likelihood of being associated with cancer compared to leukoplakia. It is estimated that around 90% of erythroplakic lesions show some degree of dysplasia or tissue abnormality, with a significant percentage ultimately being diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma.

Due to its potential malignancy, any case of erythroplakia should be thoroughly evaluated and monitored by a dental professional. A biopsy is often recommended to determine the extent and nature of the lesion and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Feel free to get in touch with experts, if you have any questions about Erythroplakia. You can also browse more terms meanings on our dictionary page.

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