The most common symptom with ulcers is pain in the area of the stomach. It is usually not severe, comes and goes throughout the day or night, and described as gnawing, dull, aching, or hunger-like. There may be a feeling of fullness, heartburn, bloating, or nausea. Seek medical care for vomiting with blood, black tarry stools, or severe abdominal pain. Remember that poor blood supply to heart muscle can cause symptoms of upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, or fullness.
Ulcers require medical care, especially if there is bleeding.
The most common test used to diagnose ulcers is an endoscopy. It involves passing through the mouth, a long, flexible tube that allows visual examination of the lining of the esophagus and stomach. This is done to rule out cancer or confirm an infection. For ulcers in the upper small intestine, cancer is not a risk and removing tissue is not necessary. A biopsy can be done by removing a small piece of tissue through the instrument.