Can Long-Term Gastric Ulcers Turn Into Cancer?

Gastric ulcers are considered precancerous lesions, and if left untreated for a long time, they can carry a risk of developing into cancer. During the repeated healing process of gastric ulcers, if the mucosal tissue fails to repair itself in a timely or complete manner, there is a possibility of malignant transformation into gastric cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to take gastric ulcers seriously and seek appropriate medical care.

Gastric ulcers are a benign condition and can be fully cured with proper treatment. Patients should strictly follow their doctor's recommendations and undergo a full 8-week course of medication. It's also important to identify and eliminate the underlying causes of the ulcer. If a patient is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a targeted eradication therapy is necessary. After treatment, regular follow-ups are essential to confirm whether the bacteria have been successfully eliminated.

Once H. pylori has been eradicated, patients should avoid sharing eating utensils to prevent reinfection. Practicing good hygiene and maintaining separate dining tools can significantly reduce the chances of re-infection, thereby lowering the risk of both ulcer recurrence and the development of stomach cancer.