How Do You Spell STERCORAL ULCER?

1. A stercoral ulcer is a medical term referring to an ulcer or erosion that occurs in the wall of the large intestine or colon due to the accumulation of fecal matter. The word "stercoral" itself is derived from the Latin word "stercus" meaning feces and "ulcer" refers to a break or sore on the skin or mucous membranes.

   This type of ulcer typically occurs in situations where there is chronic constipation or obstructed bowel movements, leading to the prolonged retention of stool within the colon. Over time, the pressure from the compacted feces results in the development of an ulcer in the affected area of the colon. These ulcers are most commonly found in the rectosigmoid region, which is the junction where the rectum meets the sigmoid colon.

   Stercoral ulcers can vary in size and depth, ranging from superficial erosions to deep ulcers that may penetrate through the entire thickness of the colonic wall. While many stercoral ulcers are asymptomatic, they can occasionally cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or signs of infection if bacteria present in the fecal matter invade the ulcerated area.

   Treatment for stercoral ulcers primarily involves addressing the underlying cause, such as relieving the constipation or managing the obstructive process. In severe cases where complications like perforation or infection have occurred, surgical intervention may be necessary.

2. • An ulcer of the colon caused by the pressure of inspissated fecal masses.

   • An u. of the colon due to pressure and irritation of retained fecal masses.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STERCORAL ULCER

The word "stercoral" comes from the Latin word "stercus" meaning "excrement" or "feces". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ster-" meaning "dirt" or "manure".

The term "ulcer" originates from the Latin word "ulcus", meaning "sore" or "wound". The word "ulcus" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*olkos-" or "*olkes-" meaning "swelling" or "wound".

Therefore, the term "stercoral ulcer" combines "stercoral" (related to feces) with "ulcer" (related to a sore or wound) to describe an ulcer that is caused by or involves fecal matter.