Gastric ulcers can heal and recur in the same location, mostly in the antral region of the stomach. Mortality, if perforation of the stomach occurs, is greater than in duodenal ulcers as the patients are older. There may be gastric outlet obstruction if the ulcer is in the pyloric area. Diagnosis Endoscopy and barium meal are the two diagnostic methods. A biopsy is needed to confirm malignancy.
Endoscopic assessment allows cytological studies.
Medical Management Antacids are the mainstay. Though acid hypersecretion is not the feature of this disease, drugs like ranitidine, cimetidine and famotidine are useful in healing the ulcers as they inhibit acid secretion, allowing the area to heal. The drugs need to be taken twice daily. The patient should follow a bland diet. Carbenoxelone, a drug from the liquorice plant, is effective in healing ulcers.