ulcer

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Any persistent breach in a body surface (skin or mucous membrane). It may be caused by infection, irritation, or tumour and is often inflamed. Common ulcers include aphthous (mouth), gastric (stomach), duodenal, decubitus ulcers (pressure sores), and those complicating varicose veins.

Treatment of ulcers depends on the site. Drugs are the first line of attack against peptic ulcers (those in the digestive tract), though surgery may become necessary. Bleeding stomach ulcers can be repaired without an operation by the use of endoscopy: a flexible fibre-optic tube is passed into the stomach and under direct vision fine instruments are used to repair the tissues.

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