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peptic ulcer
a loss of tissues lining the lower esophagus, stomach, or duodenum; an acute lesion that does not extend through the muscularis
mucosae is simply called an erosion. Chronic ulcers destroy the muscular coat and replace it with scar tissue at the site of healing. While it is known that
gastric acid and pepsin are responsible for ulcer formation, it is not known why mucosal resistance to them should become impaired. The cardinal
symptom of peptic ulcer is epigastric pain that may be described as burning, gnawing, cramping, or aching, and usually comes
in waves.
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