Differential Diagnosis for Wound Inside the Mouth

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Traumatic laceration: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common occurrence of accidents or injuries that can cause wounds inside the mouth, such as biting one's cheek or tongue, or being hit in the face.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Aphthous ulcers: These are common, recurring ulcers that can appear inside the mouth, often due to stress, minor mouth injury, or certain foods.
  • Oral herpes (cold sores): Although typically found on the lips, oral herpes can occasionally cause lesions inside the mouth.
  • Dental or orthodontic trauma: Sharp edges from dental work or orthodontic appliances can cause wounds inside the mouth.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Oral cancer: Although less common, any wound inside the mouth that does not heal should raise suspicion for oral cancer, especially in individuals with risk factors such as tobacco use.
  • Infectious diseases (e.g., syphilis, tuberculosis): Certain infectious diseases can cause oral lesions that may resemble wounds.
  • Bleeding disorders: Individuals with bleeding disorders may experience prolonged or excessive bleeding from minor mouth injuries.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Autoimmune disorders (e.g., pemphigus, pemphigoid): These conditions can cause blistering lesions inside the mouth that may appear as wounds.
  • Eosinophilic ulcers: These are rare, painful ulcers that can appear inside the mouth, often associated with eosinophilia.
  • Factitious disorder (self-inflicted wounds): In some cases, wounds inside the mouth may be self-inflicted, requiring a psychological evaluation.