Gastric Ulcer Malignancy: Common Locations and Causes

The most frequent sites for gastric ulcer malignancy are the antrum and the angularis regions of the stomach. These areas are particularly prone to malignant transformation due to several key factors.

Cellular Transition and Mutation
One of the primary reasons is that these areas represent a transitional zone where cells from the corpus of the stomach migrate and transform. This cellular movement increases the likelihood of genetic mutations occurring, which can lead to cancerous changes.

Helicobacter pylori Infection
Helicobacter pylori infection commonly occurs in the antrum region, particularly near the pylorus, which is the valve connecting the stomach and the small intestine. The metabolic byproducts of this bacterium can cause chronic inflammation and irritation of the mucosal lining in the antrum and angularis, increasing the risk of cellular abnormalities.

Excessive Gastric Acid Secretion
Chronic exposure to high levels of gastric acid can lead to repeated ulceration and tissue damage in these regions. This persistent irritation creates an environment conducive to malignant transformation over time.

Dietary and Mechanical Stressors
Due to its anatomical position as one of the lowest points in the stomach, the antrum is often the first area to come into contact with ingested food and the last to empty its contents. This constant exposure to dietary irritants and mechanical stress may further contribute to the development of precancerous or cancerous lesions.