Sutton’s disease /sut′ənz/ [Richard Lightburn Sutton, American dermatologist, 1878–1952] , a recurrent disease of the mucous membranes of unknown cause, generally considered to be a severe form of aphthous stomatitis, characterized by deep crater-like ulcers with inflamed borders that leave scars after healing. It usually involves the mucosa of the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, and anterior tonsillar pillars, but the pharynx, larynx, and genitalia may also be affected. Also called Mikulicz’s aphthae, periadenitis mucosa necrotica recurrens, recurring scarring aphthae. See also aphthous stomatitis.
