Oncology for Ulcer

A peptic ulcer is a sore located on the lining of your digestive tract between your esophagus and the initial portions of your small intestines. If left untreated this condition can lead to serious complications, one of which is cancer.

Causes

• Ulcers can be caused by an imbalance in the acidity of the stomach; a prolonged imbalance can cause changes is the tissues that line the walls of the digestive tract. Ulcers can also be caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Some studies have shown that the presence of this bacteria can double your risk for stomach cancer.

Chronic Infection

• Changes in the composition of the walls of the gastrointestinal tract raise the risk for a cancerous growth. Chronic stomach ulcers are considered by many physicians to be a pre-cancerous condition.

Treatment

• Cancers of the digestive tract are most often treated surgically in combination with radiation and chemotherapy.