What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lesion
Example
The doctor examined the lesion on the patient's arm. [lesion: noun]
Example
The athlete suffered a lesion on his knee during the game. [lesion: noun]
ulcer
Example
The patient complained of a painful ulcer on his tongue. [ulcer: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed the patient with a stomach ulcer. [ulcer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ulcer is more commonly used than lesion in everyday language. Ulcer is a well-known medical term that is often used to describe a specific type of lesion, while lesion is a broader term that can refer to any abnormality or damage to body tissue.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lesion and ulcer?
Both lesion and ulcer are medical terms that are typically used in formal or technical contexts. However, ulcer is more commonly used in everyday language and may be more familiar to non-medical speakers.
