The exact mechanism is uncertain but damage to the mucosal lining occurs. Regurgitation of bile from the duodenum can be a factor in genesis. The pain can be relieved or precipitated by food. Other symptoms are nausea, vomiting, bloating and fullness after meals. Gastric ulcer is less frequent than duodenal ulcer.
Weight loss is common as many avoid eating because of the pain.
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.