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Medical Author:

Edmond A Hooker, MD, DrPH

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Canker sores are diagnosed by taking a careful history and observing the ulcers' typical appearance. No testing is needed in the majority of cases. However, if the diagnosis is uncertain, the disease is more severe, or other symptoms are present, the doctor may perform certain blood tests and even do a biopsy of the ulcer.

• The doctor, however, must consider the possibility of herpes or fungal infections, trauma, or sores that will not heal that could signal cancer.



• Canker sores may be seen in people with HIV infection, with inflammatory and other bowel diseases, and with certain medical conditions.



• Herpetiform aphthous ulcers may be distinguished from true herpes sores by the fact that with the herpetiform canker sores, no vesicles (small blisters) appear before the ulcers do.

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