Definition
Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common oral mucosal lesions. The term aphthae is derived from the Greek word aphthi, which means “to set on fire” or “to inflame” and is thought to have been first used by the philosopher Hippocrates. 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 recurrent aphthous stomatitis (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....
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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 and Medicine, 39, 420–423.
Mimura, M. A. M., Borra, R. C., Hirata, C. H. W., & de Oliveira Penido, N. (2017). Immune response of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis challenged with a symbiotic. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine, 46, 821–828.
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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van der Wal, J.E. (2018). Aphthae. In: van Krieken, J. (eds) Encyclopedia of Pathology. Encyclopedia of Pathology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28845-1_657-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28845-1_657-1
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