H. pylori infection can cause ulcers

DEAR DOCTORS: I was having stomach pain and some nausea. The doctor found bacteria in my stomach, and I was diagnosed with a gastric ulcer. Now I'm being told that I should get screened for stomach cancer. Is that really necessary? If I agree, what are the tests I will need to get?

- DR EVE GLAZIER & DR ELIZABETH KO

DEAR READER: The word ulcer refers to an open wound that is failing to heal within a reasonable timeframe. Ulcers can occur on the surface of the skin and can develop within the digestive tract. The most common are gastric and peptic ulcers. The former are located in the stomach, while the latter include damage to the first section of the small intestine.

A common cause of both gastric and peptic ulcers is infection with Helicobacter pylori. Often shortened to H. pylori, it is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can, as it burrows into the stomach lining, give rise to inflammation. This, in turn, can weaken the protective lining that shields the stomach from the corrosive effects of gastric juices. Over time, this exposure can lead to the open wounds in the stomach lining that are known as ulcers.