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Leukoplakia and Erythroplakia
Persistent white, red, or mixed patches cannot be diagnosed from appearance alone and may require biopsy.
Overview
Leukoplakia describes a white patch that cannot be explained as another disease after clinical assessment; erythroplakia is a red patch with a higher likelihood of serious cellular change. Tobacco, areca nut, and alcohol increase risk, but patches can occur without these habits. A photograph or pain level cannot determine whether cancerous change is present.
Key takeaways
- ✓A patch that does not wipe off or persists beyond two weeks needs examination.
- ✓Red or mixed red-white patches deserve particularly prompt referral.
- ✓Stopping tobacco and areca nut lowers ongoing risk but does not replace biopsy or follow-up.
- ✓Only histopathology can establish the tissue diagnosis when biopsy is indicated.
What you can do
- 1Stop tobacco and areca nut products.
- 2Avoid rubbing, burning, or applying caustic substances to the patch.
- 3Note duration and changes, but do not delay assessment while monitoring.
- 4Keep appointments for review after treatment or habit cessation.
When to book a dentist
- !Any unexplained white, red, or mixed patch lasting two weeks.
- !Earlier review if there is induration, ulceration, bleeding, neck lump, numbness, or difficulty swallowing.
Emergency warning signs
- !Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding, or rapidly progressive swelling.