Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Also written as: RAS
A chronic condition characterised by repeated episodes of one or more painful aphthous ulcers on the oral mucosa.
Full Definition
Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the formal diagnostic term for the pattern of recurring aphthous ulcers in the absence of systemic disease. Clinicians classify RAS into three subtypes: minor (MiRAS), major (MaRAS), and herpetiform (HuRAS), each with distinct clinical profiles. Editors should retain the full form on first use and ensure the acronym RAS is defined. The condition is idiopathic in most patients, though it may be associated with nutritional deficiencies, haematological disorders, or inflammatory bowel disease. In documents discussing systemic associations, editors must take care not to imply that RAS is itself a systemic disease.
Usage
Usage note: Expand to 'recurrent aphthous stomatitis' on first use before abbreviating as RAS. Do not confuse with Behçet's disease, which presents with aphthous-like ulcers but is a systemic vasculitis.
In Context
- "A diagnosis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) was established after systemic causes were excluded." — Specialist referral letter
- "The manuscript used RAS throughout without defining the acronym on first use." — Copy-editing note