Why does a canker sore appear in the mouth and is it important?

In the oropharynx, or the mouth area, ulcers can develop due to various diseases or vitamin deficiencies, and in some cases, these ulcers may be carcinogenic from the beginning. The key is to distinguish these symptoms and consult your doctor early. In this article, I want to briefly talk about common diseases that can affect the oropharynx.

Aphthous ulcers are very common, varying in size and number, and are painful lesions. They are often idiopathic, meaning they occur without a specific cause. The most common risk factors include physical trauma, poor oral hygiene, genetic predisposition, and stress. B vitamin and iron deficiencies, which accompany anemia, may also contribute. Here, it's essential to detect these conditions through blood tests and start appropriate treatment. It's important to differentiate mouth ulcers from Behçet's disease and oropharyngeal tumors. Generally speaking, we don't worry about ulcers that heal quickly and are few in number. However, if there are many ulcers up to 3 cm in size, referred to as major aphthae, and they recur frequently, further investigation for Behçet's disease may be necessary. Aphthous lesions can also be seen in systemic lupus erythematosus. Oropharyngeal tumors, on the other hand, are usually solitary, have been present for a long time without healing, and tend to be less painful.

The second most common condition is irritation fibroma, which can frequently appear. These are small, round, smooth, pink bumps often found on the tip of the tongue or the buccal mucosa. They typically develop due to accidental biting.
Some dermatological diseases may also have manifestations in the mouth. For example, pemphigus vulgaris and lichen planus often affect the oral mucosa.

Another common condition in the population worth mentioning here is geographic tongue. It presents with ulcers on the tongue that flare up after consuming hot tea, coffee, or acidic foods such as pickles or lemons. Genetic predisposition is an important risk factor.

In summary, ulcers can form in the mouth for various reasons and diseases. In such cases, it's advisable to see a dermatologist. Necessary tests and treatments will be arranged.