How is peptic ulcer disease diagnosed?
Peptic ulcer disease is usually suspected in patients with gastric discomfort and pain. Several methods are available to confirm the diagnosis. Barium x-ray or an upper GI series is a widely available and accepted method to establish a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease in the stomach or duodenum. It is somewhat limited in that it is less sensitive and accurate in defining the exact nature of the disease, or distinguishing benign from malignant ulcer disease. Esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) is the most direct and most accurate method of establishing the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. In addition to identifying the ulcer, its location and size, EGD also provides an opportunity to detect and biopsy subtle mucosal lesions to determine the extent of damage. Endoscopic biopsies are indicated for all gastric ulcers because of the risk of underlying cancer, whereas duodenal ulcers are always benign and do not require biopsy. Laboratory tests also play a role in diagnosing peptic ulcer disease.
