Ulcer

Peptic ulcer is an ulcer of one of those areas of the gastrointestinal tract that are usually acidic.

About 4 % of gastric ulcers are caused by a malignant tumour, which is one reason to be vigilant in their detection. Duodenal ulcers are generally non-malignant. Most ulcers are now known to be associated with Helicobacter pylori, a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the acidic environment of the stomach. Ulcers can also be caused or worsened by drugs such as Aspirin and other NSAIDs.