Diagnosis of the oral lesions 

What are oral lesions?

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An oral lesion (which includes aphthous ulcers) is an ulcer that occurs on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. They are very common, occurring in association with many diseases and by many different mechanisms. They can be recognized by a break in the skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue and the disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue.

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The most common causes of oral lesions are localised trauma (i.e. rubbing from a sharp edge on a broken filling), infections, systemic conditions, associated dermatological diseases and recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores).

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Diagnosis and timely treatment of oral lesions is recommended particularly in case they are chronic or recurrent in nature. Sometimes your oral surgeon or dentist may advise biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.