A canker sore in the throat is an oral ulcer that causes discomfort. These lesions, also known as aphthous ulcers, develop on the soft tissues lining the mouth and throat. Recognizing their characteristics and symptoms is important for identification and management.
Visual Characteristics and Location
Throat canker sores appear as small, distinct lesions, often round or oval. They have a white, yellowish, or grayish center surrounded by a defined red border. These ulcers may also look slightly sunken with raised edges. Minor canker sores measure a few millimeters, while major ones can be 1 to 3 centimeters wide.
These sores develop on the mucous membrane inside the mouth and throat. Common locations include the soft palate, the back of the throat, and the tonsils. A canker sore on a tonsil may cause one-sided throat pain.
Associated Discomfort and Pain
Throat canker sores cause significant pain, often disproportionate to their size. A tingling or burning sensation may precede the sore’s appearance by a day or two. Once formed, the ulcer causes sharp, burning, stinging, or aching pain.
Discomfort worsens with activities like swallowing, eating acidic or spicy foods, and talking. This can lead to difficulty eating or drinking.
Differentiating from Other Throat Conditions
Distinguishing a throat canker sore from other throat conditions is important, as symptoms can overlap. Unlike contagious cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, canker sores are not infectious. Cold sores typically appear on or around the lips, though they can sometimes manifest as fluid-filled blisters inside the mouth.
Strep throat, a bacterial infection, presents differently. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include red, swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or pus, tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, and fever, often without a cough or runny nose. Viral infections, like the common cold or flu, usually have a more gradual onset and are accompanied by upper respiratory symptoms such as coughing and congestion. While severe canker sores can sometimes cause a mild fever or swollen lymph nodes, these are more characteristic of bacterial or viral infections.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most throat canker sores heal on their own, medical attention is beneficial in certain cases. Consult a healthcare provider if a sore is unusually large or lasts more than two to three weeks without healing. Frequent recurrence also warrants evaluation.
Seek professional advice if pain is severe and interferes with eating or drinking. Additionally, symptoms such as persistent fever, difficulty breathing, or other systemic issues like a rash, joint pain, or unexplained weight loss, alongside a throat sore, should prompt a doctor’s visit.