National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Sutton disease 2


Other Names:
Aphthous Stomatitis, Recurrent; Aphthous Ulcer, Recurrent; Major Aphthous Ulcer; Aphthous Stomatitis, Recurrent; Aphthous Ulcer, Recurrent; Major Aphthous Ulcer; Major Canker Sore; Recurrent Scarring Aphthae See More
Sutton disease 2, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by painful ulcers in the mouth.[1][2] These sores, which can be of varying size and frequency, are commonly called canker sores. The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, although it may be due to an abnormal immune response.[2] Treatment is not always necessary, but may include mouth rinses, topical ointments or systemic corticosteroids.[3]
Last updated: 2/17/2013
The diagnosis of canker sores (including Sutton disease 2) is usually based on clinical examination and medical history. There are no laboratory procedures available for definitive diagnosis.[1][3] In some cases, tests may be used to check for other health problems, especially if the canker sores are severe or ongoing (lasting more than 10 to 14 days).[3][4] Dentists and/or professionals trained in oral medicine can assist in the diagnosis.[4] 

Further information about the diagnosis of Sutton disease 2 can be accessed through Medscape Reference.

Last updated: 2/17/2013

Treatment may not be necessary for minor canker sores which tend to clear on their own over the course of a week or two. Large, persistent or unusually painful sores may require medical care.[3] The goals of treatment are to decrease pain, speed healing and avoid recurrence. While no one therapy meets all of these goals, many do offer some benefit.[4] Treatment may include mouth rinses, topical ointments or systemic corticosteroids.[3]

More detailed information about treatment options can be accessed through the Treatment and Medication sections of Medscape Reference and through the American Academy of Oral Medicine.

Last updated: 2/17/2013

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Sutton disease 2. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Sutton disease 2. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • My son suffers from recurrent aphthous stomatitis or Sutton disease 2. It took us 20 months to be given this diagnosis. I searched for diagnosis on the web site but did not find any information. Is there any information about Sutton disease 2 that I am somehow missing I am trying to become educated about his disease. See answer


  1. Plewa MC. Pediatric Aphthous Ulcers. Medscape Reference. March 28, 2012; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/909213-overview. Accessed 2/17/2013.
  2. Sutton Disease II. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2003; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/203/viewAbstract. Accessed 2/17/2013.
  3. Canker sore. MayoClinic.com. March 24, 2012; http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354/METHOD=print. Accessed 2/17/2013.
  4. Canker Sores - Treatment. The American Academy of Oral Medicine. December 2007; http://www.aaom.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82:canker-sores&catid=22:patient-condition-information&Itemid=120. Accessed 2/17/2013.