Difference Between Ulcer and Cancer

Ulcer and cancer are one of the most fatal diseases in the world. While many believe that they are the same illnesses, it is not true. In order to treat these illnesses accordingly, we must know the difference between the two.

Ulcers are basically holes that form on the inner side of the skin, in the lining of the upper part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or on a mucous membrane. This situation is called the “ulcerated disruption.” When this condition is not treated on time, it automatically results in the disintegration (breakdown) of tissues and it gives birth to ulcer. Severe irritation, issues with blood circulation and lack of mobility prolong the pressure on suffering tissues, causing them to collapse. Medically, the width of an average ulcer is approximately 0.5 centimetres, but it can grow larger in extreme cases. An ulcer usually aches a lot as it creates an effect on the nearby nerves, causing massive soreness and anxiety. There are numerous types of ulcers such as venous ulcer, mouth ulcer, gastric ulcer, genial ulcers, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcers, corneal ulcer and peptic ulcer.

Cancer, on the other hand, refers to extensive groups of numerous diseases that stimulate unfettered cell growth. This condition is medically known as a “malignant neoplasm.” It is far more serious when the cancerous cells break up and start to grow, marching into the healthy parts of the body and giving birth to malevolent tumours all over the system. The causes of cancer are not limited, but poor diet, certain infections, use of tobacco, pollution, obesity, lack of physical activities, chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiations are considered to be the most common ones. Although science has evolved in the world of today, but it is still not easy to identify signs and symptoms of cancer as they only become visible when the mass keeps growing. However, sudden and massive weight loss, prolonged fever, extra tiredness and discolouration are a few symptoms of this fatal disease. There are hundreds different types of cancers, but the ratio of  lungs cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, blood cancer and prostate cancer is high.

Related: Difference Between Ulcer and Acid Reflux

Instructions

  • 1

    Ulcer

    Ulcer is medically defined as “an open sore on the internal or external surface of the body, often caused by an initial abrasion in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to restore to health.”

    Read More: How to Treat Peptic Ulcer

    Image Courtesy: irishhealth.com

  • 2

    Cancer

    Cancer is defined as “a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth.” It is also known as “malignancy.”
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    Image Courtesy: skepticalraptor.com