Perforation
While rare, ulcers can grow to such an extent that they perforate completely through the wall of the stomach or duodenum. This may cause the gastric contents, including partially digested food, to leak into the abdominal cavity through this opening, resulting in peritonitis (inflammation of the membrane lining the abdominal cavity). This can lead to immediate, severe abdominal pain, which is exacerbated by any movement.
Sometimes an ulcer may enter another abdominal organ, such as the pancreas, through the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Perforation and ulcer penetration is a medical emergency that requires urgent hospital treatment.