Prognosis
Minor RAS: each episode is self-limiting (7-14 days) with complete healing. However, the recurrent nature means patients experience ulcers throughout their lives, though frequency may diminish with age.
Major RAS: significantly more debilitating, with healing taking weeks and leaving scars. Quality of life impact is substantial.
Herpetiform RAS: extremely painful and difficult to treat; may be continuous with overlapping crops.
RAS is not pre-malignant. However, persistent non-healing ulcers (>3 weeks) must be biopsied to exclude squamous cell carcinoma.
Many patients experience spontaneous reduction in frequency and severity after age 40.