Aphthous Ulcer
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Synonym(s)
Canker Sore
An open sore that develops on parts of the mouth (inner surface of the cheeks and lips, tongue, soft palate, or base of the gums). Although aphthous ulcers are noncontagious and non–life threatening, they can be very painful. Aphthous ulcers are more common and more likely to reoccur in people with HIV than in people without HIV.