| dc.description.abstract | Oral erythroplakia is a rare injury; however, its rate of malignant transformation is considered the highest among all potentially malignant lesions of the oral mucosa. There are a low number of literature records devoted entirely to oral erythroplakia. Studies show that in over 90% of cases of oral erythroplakia, there is a histological dysplasia (mild or moderate), carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma. Only the homogeneous oral erythroplakia has been clearly defined, while the terminology for mixed and red and white lesions is complex, poorly defined and confusing. Data on the prevalence of oral erythroplakia are only available from studies conducted in the South and Southeast parts of Asia and they vary between 0.02% and 0.83%. However, the number of cases may be under estimated, partly because of the difficulty in identifying them. It often occurs in people of middle age and old age, with no predilection for gender. The soft palate, floor of the mouth and buccalmucosa are the sites commonly affected by oral erythroplakia. Etiology reveals a strong association of it with the use of tobacco and alcohol. Other predisposing factors for the onset of the injury have also been studied. The pathogenesis of the lesion has not yet been clarified. Because of its high malignant potential, surgical excision is the treatment of choice. But so far, there is no effective treatment to prevent malignant transformation of oral erythroplakia. Data on the rate of recurrence seems to be high, but there are no records documenting it. It is of great importance to carry out extensive studies of oral erythroplakia,since there are still many questions to be answered about this injury. | |
