Differential Diagnosis for Diffuse Mouth Ulceration
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: This is the most common cause of diffuse mouth ulceration, characterized by recurrent, painful ulcers in the oral cavity, often triggered by stress, trauma, or certain foods.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A viral infection caused by coxsackievirus or enterovirus, leading to ulcers in the mouth, hands, and feet, commonly seen in children.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infection: Primary or recurrent HSV infection can cause diffuse mouth ulceration, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Oral Lichen Planus: A chronic autoimmune condition that can cause ulcers, white patches, and redness in the oral cavity.
- Bebçet's Disease: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, and ocular inflammation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cancer (e.g., Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Although rare, cancer can cause diffuse mouth ulceration, and early detection is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
- HIV/AIDS: Immunocompromised individuals with HIV/AIDS are prone to opportunistic infections, such as oral candidiasis, HSV, and CMV, which can cause diffuse mouth ulceration.
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A life-threatening condition caused by a severe allergic reaction, leading to widespread skin and mucous membrane lesions, including oral ulcers.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pemphigus Vulgaris: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes blistering lesions in the skin and mucous membranes, including the oral cavity.
- Erythema Multiforme: A rare skin condition that can cause oral ulcers, skin lesions, and other systemic symptoms.
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD): A rare complication of bone marrow transplantation, which can cause oral ulcers, skin lesions, and other systemic symptoms.
- Autoimmune Disorders (e.g., Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis): Certain autoimmune disorders can cause oral ulcers, although this is a rare manifestation.