How is erythroplakia related to oral cancer?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines erythroplakia as “a condition of the mouth that most always contains abnormal cells, and is defined by as any lesion of the oral mucosa that presents a bright-red velvety plaque. This plaque cannot be classified either clinically or pathologically as any other recognizable infection.”

The Oral Cancer Foundation considers erythroplakia to be a premalignant condition affecting “one to five percent of adults 50 years or older”. In contrast, white lesions, also known as leukoplakia, are more commonly seen but less likely to be found to be premalignant.