Oral / Mouth Lesions and Ulcers (Adult & Elderly) - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm



Teeth

 • GERD (Dissolves enamel)

 • Sjögren's Syndrome (Dental Caries)

Ulcerating Gastrointestinal

 • Crohn's Disease

 • Ulcerative Colitis

 • NSAlDs

Ulcerating Other

 • Canker Sore

 • Cold Sore

 • Anemia

 • Langerhan's Cell Histiocytosis

 • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)/microscopic polyangiitis (MPA)

 • Sarcoidosis

 • Drug Induced

 • Sexually Transmitted Infection

Non-Ulcerating Lighter / White 

 • Candidiasis

 • Lichen Planus

 • Anemia

 • Leukoplakia

 • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Non-Ulcerating - Darker (Red)

 • Gingivitis

 • Kawasaki Disease (Strawberry Tongue)

 • Other Gum Disease

 • Mucocele

 • Allergic Reaction

Non-Ulcerating - No Colour Change

 • Chronic Liver Disease

 • Sjögren's Syndrome

 • Acromegaly

 • Amyloidosis

 • Psoriasis

 • Gingival Hyperplasia

 • Dry Mouth



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