Aphthous Ulcer
Pronunciation: AF-thus UL-ser
A benign, recurrent, painful mucosal ulceration of the oral cavity without an identifiable infectious cause, also referred to as a canker sore.
Full Definition
Aphthous ulcers are the most common form of recurrent oral mucosal ulceration and are classified into minor, major, and herpetiform subtypes based on size, number, and healing time. They are not caused by the herpes simplex virus, a distinction editors must preserve to avoid misleading clinical content. The preferred clinical term is 'recurrent aphthous stomatitis' (RAS) when the condition is chronic and recurrent. Minor aphthous ulcers are typically less than 10 mm in diameter and heal within two weeks without scarring. Editors should be alert to authors using 'aphthae' as the plural form, which is clinically correct.
Usage
Usage note: The plural 'aphthae' is clinically accepted. Do not conflate with herpetic ulcerations; aphthous ulcers are non-viral.
In Context
- "The lesion was diagnosed as a minor aphthous ulcer, resolving spontaneously within ten days." — Clinical case note
- "Authors must distinguish aphthous ulcers from herpetic lesions, which have a viral aetiology." — Manuscript review guideline