An ulcer that occurs at any point along the gastrointestinal tract.
Peptic ulcer disease is when ulcers occur in the lining of any part of the gastrointestinal tract. These ulcers are not normally dangerous, however, they are very painful and can occasionally be cancerous. One in ten Americans will have an ulcer at some point in their life and most ulcers tend to occur between the ages of 20 and 50. The ulcers have a tendency to return so it is important to stay in contact with your gastroenterologist. Symptoms range from heartburn and indigestion to a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation.
See also, H.Pylori