Patient's question:
Esophageal ulcer with a 24mm deep fissure, purulent for two weeks, initial pain accompanied by posterior rib pain, recent pain reduction, severe pain when swallowing?Doctor's answer:
If esophageal ulcers are not treated promptly, like ulcers in other parts of the body, they can cause bleeding and perforation. Compared to gastric and duodenal ulcers, esophageal ulcers are more prone to perforation and severe bleeding due to the thinner esophageal wall, the absence of a serosal layer, and the rich vascularization of the submucosal layer. Once an esophageal ulcer occurs, timely treatment should be initiated. The first-line treatment for esophageal ulcers is medication, including antacids such as aluminum hydroxide gel, proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists, and mucosal protectants. If the pathological diagnosis indicates malignancy, corresponding endoscopic or surgical treatments should also be considered.