Health Information
Types of Peptic Ulcers
Topic Overview
There are two different types of Reference peptic ulcers Opens New Window. They are:
- Gastric ulcers, which form in the lining of the stomach.
- Duodenal ulcers, which form in the upper small intestine.
Both types of peptic ulcers are most commonly caused either by infection with Reference Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria Opens New Window or by frequent use of Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Opens New Window.
The symptoms of gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers are similar, except for when pain occurs.
- Pain from a gastric ulcer often occurs when food is still in the stomach, shortly after eating.
- Pain from a duodenal ulcer often occurs when the stomach is empty, several hours after eating, and may improve after eating. Pain also may wake you in the middle of the night.
Symptoms alone cannot be used to distinguish a gastric ulcer from a duodenal ulcer. Tests such as an Reference endoscopy Opens New Window or an Reference upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series Opens New Window may need to be used to find out the location of an ulcer.
Gastric ulcers often heal more slowly than duodenal ulcers. A gastric ulcer that does not respond to treatment could be cancer. Your doctor will most likely recommend a Reference biopsy Opens New Window of a gastric ulcer before beginning treatment. The biopsy will make sure there is no cancer hiding in the ulcer.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
