INFO/WWW-LINKS: Peptic ulcers may occure in the esophagus, the stomach, duodenum and Meckel`s diverticulum. Exacerbating factors are e.g. stress, smoking, alcohol, NSAID-steroids and Helicobacter pylori. The main dangers are gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation and erodation into other adjacent structures. Perforation may cause pneumoperitoneum (air between e.g. the diaphragm and liver or outside the bowel wall). Gastric ulcers usually occurs along the lesser curvature of the stomach and the pyloric antrum. Benign gastric ulcers are usually round or oval, with a smooth collar of surrounding mucosa, which is undermined by the ulcer. Please be aware gastric cancer.
