Emergency Ulcerative and Aphthous Lesions in the Oral Cavity and Pharynx

Overview

A practical ENT-focused emergency card for oral and oropharyngeal ulcers: when is this a simple aphthous lesion, traumatic ulcer, HSV, Candida, ANUG/Vincent pattern, radiation mucositis, osteoradionecrosis, deep neck infection, or an oral squamous cell carcinoma hiding behind an “inflammatory” appearance? The shift rule is simple: do not treat the pain only, do not prescribe antibiotics reflexively, and never discharge a persistent or suspicious ulcer without a documented follow-up, biopsy plan, or urgent cancer referral.