Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Canker

11/03/2011

Question:

I have had a canker sore on my tongue in the exact same place on my tongue for the last three or four years. My dentist doesn`t know what the problem is. I finally made an appointment with a oral surgeon. Is this rare for it to be in the same place?

Answer:

If the sore has been present constantly in the same place, that would not be consistent with a diagnosis of aphthous ulcer (“canker sore”), and a biopsy would probably be appropriate. If the sore last 7-10 days, then heals completely, then it could be an aphthous ulcer. Aphthous ulcers infrequently will affect the same place in the mouth each time (although usually they tend to develop in different areas of the mouth with each episode).

For more information:

Go to the Mouth Diseases health topic.