Stages, types and grades
Leukoplakia is a white patch in the mouth.
Erythroplakia is a red area in the mouth that bleeds easily.
Erythroleukoplakia is an area of red and white patches in the mouth.
These patches might be harmless. But they can also be precancerous and contain abnormal cells. These abnormal cells are called dysplasia. Dysplasia is not cancer. But if untreated, these might go on to develop into cancer.
Your doctor will take a sample of the cells (biopsy). This is sent to the laboratory where a looks for abnormal cells to find out what the patches are. The information from the biopsy helps them decide who might need treatment.
Precancerous changes are more common in erythroplakia and erythroleukoplakia than in leukoplakia. Most leukoplakia patches are not precancerous.
You should see your GP or dentist if you have a white patch or red area in your mouth that does not go away.
Risk factors for leukoplakia and erythroplakia are smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol. It is also linked with badly fitting dentures that constantly rub your gums, or the inside of your mouth or tongue. In most cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic).
People who have long term exposure to mouth infections, such as oral thrush, may also be at a higher risk of developing leukoplakia.
You might not need treatment. Your doctor will advise you to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. The patches may go away or get smaller if you stop smoking and reduce how much alcohol you drink.
Talk to your GP about support to stop smoking
You might need treatment if you have dysplasia. This is because there is a risk that the patches might develop into mouth cancer. Your doctor might suggest surgery or laser treatment to remove the patches.
Find out about laser treatment
Patches that have no dysplasia, or mild dysplasia might not need treatment. Your doctor checks the area regularly, sometimes for many years. They look for:
changes in the appearance of the patches
new patches
You might need to have more biopsies.
Your doctor might suggest taking part in a clinical trial.
To decide what treatment you need, your doctor looks at the type, grade and stage of your cancer.
Last reviewed: 29 Jul 2024
Next review due: 29 Jul 2027
Mouth and oropharyngeal cancer develop when abnormal cells in the mouth and oropharynx divide and grow uncontrollably.
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and they might examine you. They may arrange tests or a referral to a specialist.
Your treatment depends on where in your mouth or oropharynx your cancer is, the type, how big it is, whether it has spread anywhere else in your body and your general health.
Getting practical and emotional support can help you cope with your diagnosis, and life during and after treatment.
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