Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Aphthous ulcer classification
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Aphthous ulcer may be classified into 3 groups: major aphthous stomatitis, minor aphthous stomatitis and herpetiform stomatitis.
Classification
Classification
Aphthous ulcer may be classified into:
- Major aphthous stomatitis – Most common. Few ulcers or even just a single one, smaller than 1cm. Usually these lesions are self-resolving. Affects the lips, tongue lateral aspects and cheeks.
- Minor aphthous stomatitis – Few ulcers of size greater than 1 cm. Often found in the back of the mouth. Painful and deeper than minor aphthous stomatitis, usually leaving a scar as it heals.
- Herpetiform stomatitis – Least common. Wide number of ulcers, usually more than 10, with size varying between 1-3mm and may leave scars as it heals. Ulcers may coalesce and become larger. More common in young adults in the 20s or 30s.[1]
References
References
- ↑ Riera Matute G, Riera Alonso E (2011). “[Recurrent aphthous stomatitis in Rheumatology]”. Reumatol Clin. 7 (5): 323–8. doi:10.1016/j.reuma.2011.05.003. PMID 21925448.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: José Eduardo Riceto Loyola Junior, M.D.[2], Sara Mehrsefat, M.D. [3]