Ulcers Flashcards
What is an ulcer?
A breach in the continuity of the epithelium or any mucosal surface
This can follow molecular death of the surface epithelium (necrosis) or its traumatic removal.
What are the parts of an ulcer?
N/A
The text does not specify; further details may be required.
What are common age-related classifications for ulcer diagnosis?
- Young: infective
- Older > 40 yrs: carcinoma
- Older > 60 yrs: rodent ulcer
Which sex is more likely to have varicose ulcers?
Female
What occupations are associated with varicose veins?
- Hairdresser
- Cooks
- Bakers
What modes of onset are observed in ulcers?
- Acute inflammation/trauma: sudden
- Chronic inflammation: very slowly
- Malignant: rapid
What is the duration of ulcers in different contexts?
- Very short (days): acute infection
- Short (months): malignant
- Long: chronic inflammation
How does pain present in different types of ulcers?
- Acute inflammation, arterial ulcers: painful
- Venous ulcers: not that painful
- Neuropathic: less pain or painless
- Malignant: usually painless, may become painful later
What is the significance of fever in ulcer diagnosis?
Fever may indicate chronic infection or tuberculosis.
What does weight loss indicate in ulcer patients?
Potential malignancy or tuberculosis.
What is Buerger’s disease associated with?
Smoking
What past histories or associated diseases are relevant to ulcer diagnosis?
- Tuberculosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Syphilis
What does a positive response to antibiotics suggest?
Infective cause of the ulcer.
What does a negative response to antibiotics suggest?
Malignancy.
What general signs are observed during physical examination of an ulcer?
- Cachexia
- Anemia
- Weight loss: malignancy, tuberculosis
What factors are considered in ulcer inspection?
- Number
- Size
- Shape
- Site/Location
What ulcer type is indicated by undermined edges?
Tuberculosis, amoebic, bedsore, carbuncle
What does a raised and rolled edge indicate?
Rodent ulcer or basal cell carcinoma.
What are the characteristics of an everted edge in ulcers?
Malignant ulcer or squamous cell carcinoma.
Where are diabetic ulcers commonly located?
Heal/ball of the foot (head of 2nd and 3rd metatarsal).
What shape is typically associated with varicose ulcers?
Oval
What color indicates a healing ulcer’s edge?
Sloping transparent edge.
What does a bluish unhealthy granulation tissue suggest?
Tuberculosis.
What is Curling’s ulcer?
Acute peptic ulcer in burns as a reaction to stress.
What is Cushing’s ulcer?
Acute peptic ulcer in head injury and in early spinal cord injury.
What is Marjolin’s ulcer?
Malignant change in a scar, ulcer, or sinus.
What investigations are used for diabetes mellitus in ulcer diagnosis?
- Urine sugar
- FBS
- RBS
- HbA1C
What tests are used to diagnose tuberculosis?
- Chest X-ray
- AFB
- ESR
- Mantoux
What is the significance of a biopsy in ulcer diagnosis?
Allows comparison with normal tissue.
What imaging techniques are mentioned for ulcer diagnosis?
- Doppler ultrasound
- Lower limb angiography
