Ulcers
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Definition: An ulcer is a local defect, or excavation, of the surface of an organ or tissue that is produced by the sloughing (shedding) of inflammatory necrotic tissue. Ulcers can occur only when tissue necrosis and resultant inflammation exist on or near a surface.
During the acute stage, there is intense polymorphonuclear infiltration and vascular dilation in the margins of the defect. With chronicity, the margins and base of the ulcer develop fibroblastic proliferation, scarring, and the accumulation of lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells.
Types
cutaneous ulcer
- subcutaneous inflammation of the lower extremities in older persons who have circulatory disturbances that predispose to extensive necrosis.
- peptic ulcer of the stomach
duodenal ulcer
See also
- mucosal ulcerations: inflammatory necrosis of the mucosa of the mouth, stomach, intestines, or genitourinary tract.