Peptic Ulcer

ulcer caused by overly acidic digestive secretions

A peptic ulcer, also known as PUD or peptic ulcer disease is an ulcer of an area of the gastrointestinal tract that is usually acidic and thus extremely painful. 80% of ulcers are associated with Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the acidic environment of the stomach, however only 20% of those cases go to a doctor (for it is not a dangerous case if caught in time and can be treated with surgery). Ulcers can also be caused or worsened by drugs such as Aspirin and other NSAIDs. Contrary to general belief, more peptic ulcers arise in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine, just after the stomach) than in the stomach. About 4% of stomach ulcers are caused by a malignant tumor, so multiple biopsies are needed to make sure. Duodenal ulcers are generally benign.
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Peptic ulcer n. An ulcer of the upper digestive tract, usually in the stomach or duodenum, where the mucous membrane is exposed to gastric [more]Peptic ulcer - Community and Resources

Noun
1. an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary tract
(synonym) peptic ulceration
(hypernym) ulcer, ulceration
(hyponym) duodenal ulcer

A hole in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. A peptic ulcer of the stomach is called a gastric ulcer, an ulcer of the duodenum is a duodenal ulcer, and a peptic ulcer of the esophagus is an esophageal ulcer. A peptic ulcer occurs when the lining of these organs is corroded by the acidic digestive juices which are secreted by the stomach cells. Peptic ulcer disease is common, affecting millions of Americans yearly. The medical cost of treating peptic ulcer and its complications runs in the billions of dollars annually in the U.S.. Recent medical advances have increased our understanding of ulcer formation. Improved and expanded treatment options are now available.