Multiple Painful Oral Ulcers

The following Case Challenge is provided in conjunction with the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

A 66-year old white male was referred with a chief complaint of multiple painful oral and pharyngeal ulcerations.  He stated his symptoms began four months earlier with the occurrence of a mild sore throat, which was followed by the development of numerous ulcers throughout the rest of his mouth.  Because of the pain from these lesions, the patient suffered from dysphagia and resultant weight loss.

After you have finished reviewing the available diagnostic information, make the diagnosis.