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Erythroplakia — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardOral PathologyErythroplakiaNDEB AFK

A 63-year-old smoker has a persistent velvety red patch on the floor of the mouth. It is asymptomatic, cannot be rubbed off, and has no obvious traumatic source. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Incisional biopsy of the lesion

A persistent unexplained red patch on a high-risk site in a smoker is suspicious for epithelial dysplasia or carcinoma and requires biopsy. Cytology may be adjunctive but is not a definitive substitute for tissue diagnosis in this setting. The pearl is that erythroplakia carries higher dysplasia risk than many white lesions and should not be watched passively.

Reference: Canadian oral medicine/oral pathology reference texts; NDEB KSAs 2024