Gastric Ulcer Differential Diagnosis

Gastric ulcers are categorized as either benign or malignant. Patients with benign ulcers can achieve full recovery after the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. In contrast, even after successful elimination of H. pylori, malignant ulcers typically do not heal, which highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis.

One key condition to differentiate from gastric ulcer is duodenal bulb ulcer. Duodenal bulb ulcers occur in the duodenum and share a similar pathogenesis with gastric ulcers, primarily linked to Helicobacter pylori infection. However, unlike gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers rarely progress to cancer and generally resolve completely with effective eradication therapy for H. pylori.

It's also essential to distinguish gastric ulcers from erosive gastritis. While both conditions involve damage to the stomach lining, the depth of tissue involvement differs significantly. Gastric ulcers extend into the third layer of the stomach wall—the muscularis mucosae—while erosive gastritis affects only the superficial layers, such as the mucosa or submucosa.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining appropriate treatment and prognosis. Medical professionals often rely on endoscopic evaluation and biopsy to differentiate between these conditions and ensure patients receive the most effective care tailored to their specific diagnosis.