Synonyms
(Recurrent) aphthous ulcers (RAU); Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS)
Definition
Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common oral mucosal lesions. The etiology is still unknown although several hypotheses about the pathogenesis have been reported. A genetic predisposition has been shown by an increased frequency of certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) types and a positive family history in some patients with RAS. Predisposing factors for the occurrence of aphthous ulcers are immunosuppression, drugs (especially NSAIDs), hematologic abnormalities, hormonal influences, infectious agents, nutritional deficiencies, stress, cessation of smoking, allergies, and trauma.
Clinically, three clinical variations can be recognized: minor aphthae, major aphthae, and herpetiform aphthae. The aphthae are localized on nonkeratinized mucosa.
Minor aphthous ulcerations are the most common (80 %). They are 3–10 mm in size and are usually preceded by an erythematous macule associated with...
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References and Further Reading
Jurge, S., Kuffer, R., Scully, C., & Porter, S. R. (2006). Mucosal disease series VI. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Oral Diseases, 12, 1–21.
Kozlak, S. J., Walsh, S. J., & Lalla, R. V. (2010). Reduced dietary intake of vitamin B12 and folate in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 39, 420–423.
Natah, S. S., Konttinen, Y. T., Enattah, N. S., Ashammaki, N., & Sharkey, K. A. (2004). Recurrent aphthous ulcers today: A review of the growing knowledge. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 33, 221–234.
Rivera-Hidalgo, F., Shuhman, J. D., & Beach, M. M. (2004). The association of tobacco and other factors with recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a U.S. adult population. Oral Diseases, 10, 335–345.
Scully, C., Gorsky, M., & Lozada-Nur, F. (2003). The diagnosis and management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis. A consensus approach. Journal of the American Dental Association, 134, 200–207.
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© 2016 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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van der Wal, J.E. (2016). Aphthae. In: Slootweg, P.J. (eds) Dental and Oral Pathology. Encyclopedia of Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28085-1_657
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28085-1_657
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