Ulcer
ULCER, an open sore (derived through the French from Lat. ulcus, Gr. e'X/cos). When a portion of animal tissue dies in consequence of an infection or injury, the death of that tissue taking place by gradual breaking down or disintegration, the process is termed ulceration and the result an ulcer. When the ulcer is spreading the place is painful and the surrounding parts are flushed with extra blood, but under appropriate treatment the destructive process ceases and the ulcer gradually heals. The bright surface of the ulcer becomes glazed over, and those changes take place in it which occur in an open wound. The ulcer gradually contracts, and round its edges cicatrization, or scarring, occurs. Ulcers may arise from various causes in different parts of the body, and in association with certain specific diseases, such as syphilis, tubercle, cancer and typhoid fever. (For GASTRIC ULCER see the separate article.) (E.O.*)
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
