In my career as a doctor, I have encountered countless patients who are worried that their stomach pain may be cancer. One of the impressive cases was Mr. Lee, who came to my office with persistent stomach discomfort and pain. His worried eyes and trembling voice express a common misconception that all stomach aches are related to cancer. This concern exacerbated his emotional and physical discomfort.
Peptic ulcer is a common digestive disorder that involves the erosion of the lining of the stomach and duodenum, forming painful ulcers. This is usually due to excess stomach acid or a Helicobacter pylori infection, and not all stomach pain is a sign of cancer. Through a detailed examination and a series of diagnoses, we determined that his symptoms were due to peptic ulcers rather than cancer, which he feared. This discovery not only relieved his psychological stress, but also allowed us to start targeted treatment.
Peptic ulcer basics
genesis
Hyperacidity: Normally, the mucus layer in the stomach protects it from stomach acid, but when stomach acid is secreted excessively, this layer of protection can be broken.
Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium is one of the most common causes of ulcers, and it destroys the protective lining of the stomach, making the stomach lining vulnerable to stomach acid.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These drugs can reduce the production of protective mucus in the stomach and increase the risk of ulcers.
symptoms
Pain in the upper abdomen: The most common symptom, which usually feels like burning or tingling.
Increased or reduced pain after meals: People with stomach ulcers often experience increased pain after meals, while people with duodenal ulcers may experience reduced pain after meals.
Acid reflux, nausea and even vomiting: These symptoms may be accompanied by discomfort.
Diagnostic methods
Endoscopy: A gastroscope is used to directly look inside the stomach and duodenum to check for ulcers or inflammation.
Breath test: detects Helicobacter pylori infection by analyzing the proportion of carbon isotopes in the exhaled breath.
Precautionary measures
Dietary modifications: Avoid too much spicy, greasy food and reduce coffee and alcohol intake.
Managing stress: Proper stress management and relaxation techniques can reduce stomach acid secretion.
These basics help patients better understand peptic ulcers and prepare them for further treatment and life adjustments.
Association of peptic ulcer and cancer
Association of ulcers with gastric cancer
Helicobacter pylori: This bacterium is not only the main cause of peptic ulcers, but also associated with the development of stomach cancer. Long-term Helicobacter pylori infection may lead to ongoing inflammation of the gastric mucosa, increasing the risk of cancer.
Chronic ulcers: Ulcers that do not heal for a long time may lead to abnormal proliferation of gastric mucosal cells, which have the potential to develop into malignant tumors.
The transition from ulcer to cancer
Although the vast majority of people with peptic ulcers do not develop stomach cancer, persistent ulcers and untreated inflammatory states may increase the likelihood of cancer. Identification of high-risk ulcers, such as those that persist and do not heal and vary in size, is particularly important for early diagnosis and treatment.
Preventive measures and monitoring
Regular surveillance: For patients with long-term ulcers, regular endoscopy is recommended to monitor for changes in ulcers and detect abnormalities in time.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: Aggressive treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection can reduce the recurrence rate of ulcers and reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
Lifestyle modifications: Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption and improving eating habits can help reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and their complications.
Understanding the potential link between peptic ulcer and cancer and taking appropriate precautions is an important part of maintaining a healthy digestive tract. In the treatment and management of peptic ulcers, staying vigilant and having regular check-ups is a key step in preventing stomach cancer.
Ways to prevent peptic ulcers
Adjust your eating habits
Avoid irritating foods: Spicy, greasy foods, as well as too much coffee and alcohol, can stimulate stomach acid secretion and should be avoided as much as possible.
Small meals and frequent meals: Eating small and frequent meals can reduce the burden on the stomach and reduce the damage of gastric acid to the stomach wall.
Manage medication intake
Use NSAIDs with caution: NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be used under the guidance of a doctor and avoid long-term or excessive use as they may damage the gastric mucosa.
Use of protective medications: If needed, proton pump inhibitors or antacids may be used to reduce gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa.
Enhance physical fitness
Smoking cessation and alcohol restriction: Tobacco and alcohol are both known gastric mucosal irritants, and smoking cessation and alcohol consumption restriction can be very beneficial in ulcer prevention.
Regular physical activity: Moderate exercise can improve overall health and strengthen the body's resistance to disease.
Manage psychological stress
Use relaxation techniques: Stress is an important factor in triggering peptic ulcers. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Get a good night's sleep: Getting enough sleep plays an important role in maintaining overall health and reducing stomach acid secretion.
Regular health check-ups
Get regular check-ups: Especially those individuals with a family history of peptic ulcers should have regular gastroscopy for early diagnosis and treatment.
These measures can not only reduce the risk of peptic ulcers, but also improve overall health and quality of life.