Erythroplakia

A clinical term that refers to the presence of a red flat and well defined lesion on the oral mucosa that is not caused by trauma, vascular, or inflammatory processes. It is a precancerous condition and is seen more commonly in middle aged or older males. It is associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Microscopic examination reveals severe epithelial dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, or invasive squamous cell carcinoma.