Overview

When acidic digestive juices corrode the thin layer that lines the stomach, the resulting hole or defect is called an ulcer. Peptic ulcers can occur in the stomach and are referred to as gastric ulcers. More commonly, ulceration occurs in the duodenum, which is the first portion of the small intestine. These ulcers are referred to as duodenal ulcers.

Millions of adults in the United States develop ulcers every year. Many recur. It is important to diagnose and treat ulcers because they can lead to serious complications, such as bleeding, obstruction or perforation. Early detection is also important, especially for stomach ulcers, because one to three percent of these are associated with cancer. The use of endoscopy and the discovery of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in ulcers have led to improved diagnostic techniques and more effective therapies.

More on Peptic Ulcers

	Peptic Ulcer Disease
	Esophageal Disorders

In the Encyclopedia:

	Anorectal disorders
	Anoscopy
	Anal warts
	Antiulcer drugs
	Immunosuppressant drugs

Emergency Symptoms

	Sudden, severe abdominal pain
	Tarry, black or bloody stools
	Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
	Vomiting undigested stomach contents

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.