Erythroplakia is an uncommon and subtly innocuous change of the oral mucosa, but it has very specific and identifiable clinical characteristics, therapies, and prognostic features. It is the most dangerous of all the oral cancer precursor lesions, and a search for erythroplakia should be a part of every oral soft tissue examination in persons aged 35 years and older. No erythroplakia lesions should ever be left untreated. Much has been written about the malignant potential of oral leukoplakia, but too often the dental profession has ignored the more dangerous discoloration, erythroplakia, which carries a much greater cancer risk than the white lesions. A clear understanding of this lesion may save lives by identifying oral cancers prior to invasion or at an early stage, thereby avoiding extensive surgery and spread of the disease to other parts of the body. The learning objective of this article is to review and familiarize the reader with the terminology, diagnosis, etiology, treatment, and the prognosis of this disease.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1991

Treatment of a large odontogenic keratocyst using the Brosch procedure.

The modified Brosch procedure has been described. It represents a reasonable alternative to resection or marsupialization when treating large OKC that occupy the molar, angle, and ramus regions of the mandible. Extraction of teeth affected by the lesion as well as generous removal of partially eroded bone and overlying soft tissues may contribute to lower recurrence rates. Cryosurgical or mechanical treatment of the bony cavity, which is well visualized using this technique, may also lead to improved long-term results. Treatment must be followed by continued, careful observation of the patient.

Adolescent↗