A callous ulcer or callous is a pathological condition of the gastric mucosa, outwardly resembling a large hole 3-4 cm deep. It is one of the common and dangerous diseases of the stomach and intestines. The callous ulcer has a smooth bottom of a light color, there are seals on the edges. In appearance, it is very similar to a malignant formation. There are frequent cases when an ulcer penetrates deep into the body with which it comes in contact. Therefore, an adjacent organ, such as a liver, can serve as its bottom. This manifestation of the disease makes the callous ulcer similar to penetrating (penetrating).
Callous and penetrating ulcer: similarities and differences
A ulcerative wound with dense edges forms on the wall of the stomach, due to the scarring process. Often, even after the appearance of scars, the ulcer continues to progress. A penetrating or penetrating type of disease occurs with possible bleeding, while spreading to adjacent organs. Large gastric ulcers proceed as callous and at the same time penetrating, with a pronounced pain syndrome. When diagnosing a disease, it is necessary to take into account the fact that two seemingly different diseases can occur as one. Therefore, the patient is assigned an extensive comprehensive study to confirm the diagnosis.
Causes of callous ulcers
Callous ulcers can occur for the following reasons:
- Unstable functioning of the nervous system, causing an increase in acidity.
- Infectious or purulent diseases.
- Lack of nutrition, prolonged fasting. Due to the prolonged lack of food, the secreted gastric juice eats up the walls of the stomach.
- The ingestion of potent chemicals in the stomach cavity, causing severe poisoning. Hazardous substances, getting inside the body, cause damage to the gastric mucosa. Even a small amount of chemicals, in contact with the walls of the stomach, corrodes its epithelium, leading to deep ulcers. Scarring of affected tissues can take place for a long time or not occur at all.
- Infection of the body with Helicobacter pylori infection. Reacting with gastric juice, bacteria secrete ammonia, which very strongly corrodes the walls of the organ.
- Excessive and uncontrolled use of anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, Aspirin prevents the cells from recovering and leads to the formation of non-healing ulcers.
The formation of an ulcer begins with the fact that the hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach itself, due to a weak mucosa, begins to destroy the cell membrane. After the destruction of the mucous cells, the submucosa is next in turn. According to scientists, in 40% of cases, a colonic ulcer of the rectum and stomach develops under the influence of bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which are able to survive in hydrochloric acid.
Diagnosis of the disease
To make the correct diagnosis, the patient is assigned a comprehensive examination and analysis. The patient is prescribed all the necessary diagnostic procedures, such as:
- Roentgenography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Biopsy (to exclude malignant tumors).
- Fibrogastroduodenoscopy.
The results of the study allow the attending physician to prescribe an effective treatment.
Gastric ulcer: symptoms and treatment
The manifestation of symptoms is most often due to eating. As a rule, within a few minutes after a snack, a stabbing and cutting pain in the abdomen may occur, sometimes the pain gives to the spine. There are cases when the disease was completely asymptomatic and only in the later stages was detected due to the onset of bleeding.
The disease does not have a seasonal manifestation, so pain can occur at any time. This is due to the fact that a scar consisting of connective tissue is formed at the site of the ulcer, and it is it that does not allow the gastric mucosa to recover, causing severe pain attacks.
Callous ulcer is characterized by the following manifestations:
- Severe pain in the stomach and duodenum.
- Anemia.
- Digestion problems.
- Metabolic disorders.
To reduce the pain after eating, you can use dairy products.
However, this disease can cause other symptoms:
- Bowel disorders (diarrhea or constipation).
- Persistent nausea.
- Sour burp.
- Increased gas formation.
- Heartburn.
Surgery to eliminate a progressive ulcer
A stomach ulcer is only treated surgically. The affected tissue is treated with a special laser, thus causing cell regeneration. Also, during the operation, suturing of the ulcer is possible, its excision based on the evidence. Next, the patient is prescribed a comprehensive medication aimed at restoring the functions of the stomach and intestines. For treatment, drugs are used that contribute to the rapid regeneration of damaged areas.
The operation is carried out due to the fact that the probability of degeneration of the ulcer into cancer is high. As a rule, in 95-98% of cases a positive result is achieved after surgery.
Diet for callous ulcer
In order to prevent a relapse of the disease or prevent an attack, you must adhere to a certain diet. From the diet it is necessary to exclude:
- Any semi-finished products.
- Smoked products.
- Sweet.
- Floury.
- Spicy and salty dishes.
- Canned foods.
If there is a disease, even if it is in remission, it is recommended to eat:
- Milk and dairy products.
- Porridge.
- Low-fat broths and soups.
- Steamed meat.
- Sea fish.
- Vegetables, excluding cabbage.
If you follow the doctor’s recommendations, the timely use of medicines and eating healthy foods, it is possible to achieve long-term remission, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Disease Prevention
To exclude relapse, the patient should strictly adhere to certain rules:
- Adhere to the prescribed diet.
- Stop addictions (smoking)
- Stop drinking alcohol.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Use herbal sedatives.
- Normalize sleep patterns.
If a person first encounters pain in the stomach or intestines, in no case should he self-medicate to prevent the development of chronic diseases. If you suspect a gastrointestinal disease, you must consult a doctor to prescribe the necessary tests. When a stomach ulcer is diagnosed, the symptoms and treatment will differ depending on the particular type of disease.