 By definition , there is no serious underlying medical condition , and most importantly , the ulcers do not represent oral cancer nor are they infectious . However , aphthae are capable of causing significant discomfort . There is a spectrum of severity , with symptoms ranging from a minor nuisance to disabling . Due to pain during eating , weight loss may develop as a result of not eating in severe cases of aphthous stomatitis . Usually , the condition lasts for several years before spontaneously disappearing in later life . 
