Erythroplakia is an oral condition that involves abnormal production of cells. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes it as a formation of bright-red velvety plaque at any lesion of the oral mucosa. This plaque doesn’t fall in the category of a recognizable infection.
The Oral Cancer Foundation states that premalignant lesions such as erythroplakia are not as common as leukoplakia or white lesions but have a higher chance of becoming dysplasia or malignant in nature. This condition affects only 1 to 5 percent of older adults above 50, but early diagnosis is necessary.
Causes and outcomes
The leading cause of erythroplakia is tobacco use. People who use tobacco and alcohol are more prone to developing this problem. Sometimes, consistent irritation due to ill-fitting dentures or fractured teeth can also be the reason. Aging and persistent viral infections are also the reasons for this condition.
You can ensure prevention or early diagnosis only by visiting your dentist more regularly. During the oral exam, your dentist will examine the entire oral cavity, including tonsils, throat, and areas outside your neck and head. He will look for swelling, palpable nodes, or other growths to determine if there is any problem like erythroplakia.
To curb this premalignant condition, you will need to avoid risky habits. However, the dentist will refer you to a specialist if a suspicious lesion is found. Timely and appropriate treatment can help you prevent this problem from becoming cancerous.
What to look for
Lesions and ulcers in the mouth often result from viruses, trauma, or genetic predisposition. About one-third of the population gets these lesions and ulcers. The good thing is that these irritants subside within a week to ten days. During this time, you can consider taking over-the-counter drugs to control pain and inflammation. If you notice a red and velvety lesion being persistent for more than two weeks, make sure to get an appointment for a checkup.
The screening test will involve the following.
- A look at the medical history and a thorough oral analysis
- A review of lifestyle factors
- Biopsy
- Referral to an oral surgeon
- Imaging tests, including x-rays tests, or CT scan
With the help of these exams, the dentist will tell you if you have Erythroplakia and the treatment you need to get rid of it.
Treatment
The biopsy tests will help your doctor or dentist know if you have this condition. If the tests are positive, the doctor will refer you to a surgeon to get the abnormal cells removed from your mouth. It is worth remembering that the condition can recur after the removal of abnormal cells, so you will need to be under consistent monitoring to make sure that you are not developing this condition again.
Oral lesions are often signs of an underlying condition, which can be pretty severe or life-threatening. The best practice is to notice some changes in your mouth. If you suspect anything, be sure to visit your doctor or dentist to get the affected area analyzed immediately.
