Can Stomach Ulcers Turn Into Stomach Cancer?

Most benign stomach ulcers do not develop into cancer. However, certain types such as refractory ulcers or those that recur frequently may carry a risk of malignant transformation. Repeated inflammation and irritation in the stomach lining can lead to abnormal cell growth, known as dysplasia, which in some cases may progress to gastric cancer.

If diagnosed with a benign gastric ulcer, it's essential to undergo a full course of treatment. This includes identifying and addressing the root cause—such as eradicating Helicobacter pylori infection if present—and promoting proper healing of the ulcer. With appropriate medical care, the majority of gastric ulcers can be effectively treated and resolved.

It's important to note that only ulcers that persist or recur despite treatment may potentially become cancerous. Moreover, some ulcer-like lesions detected during endoscopy could actually be ulcerative-type gastric cancers. In such cases, even if initial biopsies don't detect cancer cells, further evaluation after a short course of treatment is crucial.

Sometimes, what appears to be a benign ulcer progressing to cancer may, in fact, be an ulcer-type gastric cancer from the start. This highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and follow-up testing to rule out malignancy early on.