In Crohn's disease or colitis, patients may have recurrent aphthous-like what?

• A. Ulcerations
• B. Polyps
• C. Nodules
• D. Fistulas

Answer: (A)

Oral involvement in inflammatory bowel disease can show recurrent aphthous-like ulcers. These are small, shallow mouth ulcers with a pale center and a red halo, commonly appearing on the inner lips, cheeks, tongue, or gingiva. They are an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease and can occur with colitis as well, reflecting mucosal inflammation beyond the gut.

This option fits because the phrase “aphthous-like” specifically describes ulcerative mucosal lesions, not growths or abnormal tracts. Polyps are mucosal outgrowths, nodules are raised lumps, and fistulas are abnormal channels; none capture the recurrent small-mouth-ulcer pattern described by aphthous-like ulcers.