Which of the following is true about erythroplakia?

• A. Red patch in the oral mucosa
• B. White plaque which does not rub off
• C. Non-infectious itchy rash
• D. A salivary gland disorder

Answer: (D)

Erythroplakia is best described as a red patch on the oral mucosa. The red appearance is the key feature because these patches carry a higher risk of dysplasia or early cancer compared with white or non-patch lesions. That’s why a persistent red patch in the mouth should be investigated with a biopsy to assess for precancerous changes.

In contrast, a white plaque that cannot be rubbed off points to leukoplakia, which is a different lesion with its own risk profile. The other options don’t describe a patch on the oral mucosa: an itchy, non-infectious rash isn’t an oral lesion, and a salivary gland disorder affects glands rather than presenting as a red patch on the mucosa.