Ulcers are bodily disorders affecting organ structures, in which the membranous tissue surrounding the organ breaks. Pain in the affected area is the major symptom. There are many different types of ulcers, with common types including stomach ulcers, venous ulcers, eye ulcers, skin ulcers and mouth ulcers. Ulcers also exacerbate certain digestive disorders; for example, ulcerative colitis is a complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), in which ulcers spread in the intestines, causing gastrointestinal symptoms. Without management, ulcers will spread, creating the possibility for potentially serious complications. Treatment depends on the location and size of the ulcer; early detection is critical to prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
