A stomach ulcer is a small erosion in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common ulcers are the duodenal which occurs in the first 12 inches of the small intestine beyond the stomach, and the less common ulcer is the gastric ulcer which is in the stomach and can range from 1/8 of an inch to ¾ of an inch.

The duodenal ulcer is less harmful and less painful where as the gastric ulcer is painful as can, if not treated erode through the stomach wall. Ulcers are not contagious or cancerous.

The direct cause of ulcers is the destruction of the gastric or intestinal mucosal lining in the stomach by hydrochloric acid.

Infection with helicobacter pylori (bacterium) is thought to play an important role in causing both duodenal and gastric ulcers. Helicobacter pylori can be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food and water. Injury of...