Hunner's ulcer

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Hunner's ulcer
File:JMedLife-03-167-g002.jpg Hunner's ulcer
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Pelvic pain, urinary frequency, urinary urgency
Complications	Bladder scarring, reduced bladder capacity
Onset	Typically adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Unknown, possibly related to interstitial cystitis
Risks	Female gender, autoimmune disorders
Diagnosis	Cystoscopy with biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Bladder cancer, urinary tract infection
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Bladder distention, corticosteroids, surgery
Medication	Amitriptyline, pentosan polysulfate sodium
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Hunner's ulcer is a subtype of Interstitial cystitis, a chronic, painful bladder condition. It is characterized by the presence of ulcers and lesions on the bladder wall.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Hunner's ulcer are similar to those of interstitial cystitis and may include:

• Pain in the bladder and pelvis
• Frequent urination
• Urgency to urinate
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen

Causes

The exact cause of Hunner's ulcer is unknown. However, it is believed to be associated with inflammation in the bladder wall. Some researchers suggest that it may be an autoimmune response, while others believe it may be caused by a defect in the bladder wall that allows substances in urine to irritate the bladder tissue.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Hunner's ulcer is typically made through a procedure called cystoscopy, in which a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. During this procedure, a biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for Hunner's ulcer typically involves managing the symptoms. This may include:

• Pain management techniques
• Bladder instillations: A solution is inserted into the bladder to help soothe the bladder wall and reduce inflammation.
• Oral medications: Certain medications may help to reduce bladder pain and inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be performed to remove the ulcers.

See also

• Interstitial cystitis
• Bladder pain syndrome
• Chronic pelvic pain