Oral Ulcers

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Oral Ulcers: Basics - Defining the Lesion

  • Oral ulcer: A localized defect or excavation of the oral mucosa where the covering epithelium is lost, exposing underlying connective tissue (lamina propria). Often painful.
  • Classification based on:
    • Duration: Acute (< 2 weeks) vs. Chronic (> 2 weeks)
    • Number: Single vs. Multiple
  • Key examination features: Note size, shape (round, oval, irregular), base (e.g., slough, granulation tissue), border (e.g., raised, flat, rolled), and surrounding mucosa (e.g., erythema, induration). Aphthous ulcer

⭐ Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common cause of recurrent oral ulceration.

Etiology Unmasked - Ulcer Culprits

  • Traumatic: Mechanical (denture, sharp tooth), thermal, chemical (aspirin).
  • Infectious:
    • Viral: HSV-1, VZV, Coxsackie A (HFMD).
    • Bacterial: TB, Syphilis, ANUG.
    • Fungal: Candidiasis (immunocompromised).
  • Immunological:
    • RAS (Minor: <1cm, heal 7-10d; Major: >1cm, scar; Herpetiform).
    • Behçet's disease, Lichen Planus (erosive), Pemphigus.
  • Neoplastic: SCC (persistent, indurated ulcer).
  • Systemic:
    • Deficiencies: Iron, Vit B12, Folate.
    • GI disorders: Crohn's, Celiac disease.
    • Drugs: NSAIDs, Methotrexate, Nicorandil.

⭐ Behçet's disease triad: recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and uveitis.

Spotlight on Ulcers - Key Conditions

  • Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores)
    • Recurrent, painful; typically on non-keratinized mucosa.
    • Types: Minor (most common, <1cm, heal 7-10 days), Major (Sutton's disease, >1cm, scar), Herpetiform (multiple, pin-point).
    • Tx: Topical steroids, analgesics.
  • Herpetic Stomatitis (HSV-1)
    • Vesicles rupture to form ulcers; affects keratinized & non-keratinized mucosa.
    • Primary: Gingivostomatitis (children). Secondary: Herpes labialis (cold sore).
    • Prodrome: Tingling/burning.
    • Tx: Acyclovir.
  • Behçet's Disease
    • Triad: Recurrent oral & genital ulcers, uveitis.
    • Pathergy test positive. Systemic vasculitis.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
    • Persistent, non-healing ulcer > 3 weeks; often painless initially.
    • Indurated base, rolled (everted) edges.
    • Risk factors: Tobacco, alcohol.
    • Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Ulcer
  • Tuberculous Ulcer
    • Painful, undermined edges, yellowish (caseous) floor. Often tongue.
    • Associated with pulmonary TB.

Aphthous Major (Sutton's Disease) ulcers are larger (>1 cm), deeper, last longer (weeks to months), and frequently heal with scarring, distinguishing them from Aphthous Minor ulcers.

Diagnostic Path - Clues & Biopsy

  • Clues:
    • History: Duration (acute <3 wks vs chronic >3 wks), recurrence, habits.
    • Exam: Site, morphology (induration, rolled edges?), nodes.
  • Biopsy:
    • Indications: Chronic ulcer >2-3 wks, suspicious features (induration, fixation).
    • Technique: Incisional, from ulcer edge, including normal-appearing tissue.
    • ⭐ > Any persistent oral ulcer (>3 weeks) mandates biopsy to exclude malignancy.
  • Adjuncts: Tzanck smear (HSV), culture, serology as needed.

Management Roadmap - Soothe & Solve

  • Soothe (Symptomatic Relief):
    • Topical anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine gel).
    • Antiseptic mouthwash (chlorhexidine 0.2% bid).
    • Analgesics (paracetamol/NSAIDs).
    • Dietary modification: avoid irritants.
  • Solve (Target Etiology):
    • Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS):
      • Mild: Topical corticosteroids (triamcinolone).
      • Severe: Systemic steroids, colchicine, or thalidomide.
    • Herpetic ulcers: Antivirals (acyclovir).
    • Nutritional deficiency: Correct (e.g., B12, iron, folate).

⭐ Behçet's disease is a key systemic cause: recurrent oral & genital ulcers, plus uveitis.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Aphthous ulcers: Most common, painful, recurrent; non-keratinized mucosa.
  • Behçet's disease: Recurrent oral & genital ulcers, uveitis; pathergy test positive.
  • Herpetic stomatitis (HSV-1): Vesicles then ulcers on keratinized mucosa; Tzanck smear shows multinucleated giant cells.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Persistent indurated ulcer, often with rolled borders; biopsy is crucial.
  • Lichen Planus: Erosive form causes painful ulcers; Wickham's striae often present.
  • Traumatic ulcers: Follow identifiable injury; heal once cause is removed.

Practice Questions: Oral Ulcers

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All the following can cause mouth ulcers except ?

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Flashcards: Oral Ulcers

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Treatment of Frey's syndrome is use of antiperspirants with _____ or subcutaneous infiltration of botox

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Treatment of Frey's syndrome is use of antiperspirants with _____ or subcutaneous infiltration of botox

aluminium chloride

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