Can an ulcer become cancer?

Expert answer:

In fact, what can cause cancer is the bacterium H. pylori, causing the ulcer. The bacteria causes a chronic inflammation in the stomach that increases the predisposition for the appearance of stomach cancer.

However, only 1% of H. pylori carriers may develop cancer. It may happen, though not very often, that an inflammation in the stomach "masks" the cancer cells. In this case, does not mean that the ulcer has become cancer. The cancer is that it could not be previously identified in the patient with peptic ulcer.

To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to always request a new microscopic evaluation of the ulcer between 6 and 8 weeks after the start of treatment of peptic ulcer.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that causes gastrites and ulcers in the stomach, but which is present in almost half the population without causing disease.

Therefore, H. pylori can be found in patients with ulcer or cancer of the stomach as well as in people who do not have any symptoms.

It is not yet known why the bacteria develop cancer. However, it is known that in patients with peptic ulcer, carriers of H. pylori, it does not turn into cancer.

The same happens with individuals who carry the bacteria and do not have any type of clinical manifestation, that is, they do not have peptic ulcer or cancer.

For more information about the possible complications of your ulcer, talk to your gastroenterologist.

Learn more at:

Does gastric ulcer have a cure? What is the treatment?

Can some medications cause ulcers? What to do to avoid?