Early Signs of Stomach Ulcer Turning Into Cancer

Stomach ulcers that recur frequently can potentially develop into cancer, and in most cases, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages. One typical symptom is a patterned upper abdominal pain that occurs after eating. Many people with stomach ulcers experience discomfort or pain shortly after meals. However, if you notice that your stomach pain has become irregular—for instance, it occurs before meals, after meals, or even when you haven't eaten—it could be a warning sign.

Pay special attention if this pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or black, tarry stools, which may indicate internal bleeding. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they might signal that a benign ulcer has progressed into stomach cancer. In such cases, undergoing a gastroscopy as soon as possible is crucial for an accurate diagnosis. This procedure allows doctors to examine the inside of the stomach and identify any abnormal changes that may not present noticeable symptoms.

Determining whether a stomach ulcer is benign or malignant requires professional evaluation during a gastroscopy. The most direct method is to perform a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken from the ulcer site and examined under a microscope for the presence of cancerous cells. Unless there are clear contraindications—such as the use of blood-thinning medications like aspirin—it's generally recommended to take a biopsy whenever an ulcer is detected during endoscopy.

Biopsy testing is a critical step in ruling out or confirming cancer development, especially since some ulcers may be small and asymptomatic. Without proper medical investigation, these ulcers can go unnoticed until they reach a more advanced stage. Therefore, timely diagnosis and appropriate follow-up care are essential in managing stomach ulcers and preventing serious complications.