Ulcers

Definition

An ulcer is a crater-like lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.

Common Causes

Ulcers can be caused by an inflammatory, infectious, or cancerous condition.

Review date: 10/28/2008

Reviewed by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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