When will HP bacteria cause stomach cancer?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Xuan Cuong - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. The doctor has 14 years of experience in the field of emergency resuscitation and poison control.
Helicobacter pylori is the leading cause of peptic ulcers and increases the risk of stomach cancer. However, not every HP infection will cause stomach cancer, only some of the highly virulent strains of HP bacteria often cause stomach cancer.

1. What is Helicobacter pylori?

Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative spirochete capable of producing urease.
Helicobacter pylori colonizes under the gastric mucus layer and causes disease in the gastric mucosa, where they produce enzymes that neutralize gastric acid, helping them to survive and grow. This bacteria has the ability to secrete enzymes and toxins that damage the lining of the stomach and duodenum, can cause acute and chronic peptic ulcers, in addition, they increase the risk of stomach cancer. .

2. How is the HP virus spread?

Helicobacter pylori is present in the gastrointestinal waste, saliva and oral cavity of the person carrying the bacteria, so they can be spread through the following 3 ways:
Oral - oral: This is the main transmission route of HP bacteria, It is spread by direct contact with the saliva or gastrointestinal secretions of a carrier of the bacteria. Usually, if someone in the family is infected with HP, the chance that others will also be infected is very high. In particular, many parents have the habit of chewing rice for their children, which also leads to HP infection for children. Fecal-oral route: Bacteria are excreted through feces, so eating habits are not hygienic, so they can be infected with HP bacteria, or by intermediate insects such as mosquitoes, flies... they land on it. where the bacteria get on and get on our food causing an infection. Other: In addition, it is possible to be infected by general examination of medical equipment that is not clean such as gastroscopy, dental instruments, otolaryngoscopes...

3. When does HP bacteria cause stomach cancer?

According to statistics, about 80-90% of Vietnamese people carry HP bacteria, but not all cases of carrying the bacteria also cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
In fact, there are some studies that show that HP bacteria in some cases are not necessarily harmful, but the presence of HP bacteria is like a symbiotic bacteria in the digestive tract, sometimes having some effects. beneficial for the body. For example, people with HP have fewer intestinal infections than people without HP because HP secretes substances that prevent other bacteria from growing.
However, HP bacteria is also one of the causes of stomach cancer, but the rate of people infected with HP progressing to stomach cancer is only about 1%, not everyone with HP bacteria also gets cancer. stomach.
HP bacteria have more than 200 types, when infected with HP bacteria, if that type of HP carries the highly virulent CagA gene, it increases the risk of cancer. However, only a few types of HP carry this gene.
When infected with HP bacteria, the patient can be tested for HP bacteria belonging to the group of virulent CagA gene carriers or not, if so, it can become stomach cancer, so the patient needs to have a treatment plan to kill the virus. bacteria and periodic disease monitoring help detect and treat early if infected.

4. When should treatment for HP bacteria be carried out?

Not every bacterial infection requires an antidote, but HP eradication treatment is indicated in the following cases:
When bacteria cause inflammation, peptic ulcer, iron deficiency anemia, hematuria and decreased urine output. gastric cancer has been treated. Thereby preventing the risk of gastric ulcer leading to gastric perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding and progression to gastric cancer. In addition, the treatment is also indicated for people with a high risk of stomach cancer such as: People with a family history of cancer, gastric polyps, atrophic gastritis and people who often have to use it. Use anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Due to the use of therapeutic drugs, the rate of drug resistance of HP bacteria is high. When treating, it is necessary to adhere to some of the following things: intentionally buy drugs to use or arbitrarily stop treatment even if the clinical symptoms are reduced. During the course of treatment, if the disease symptoms do not decrease or are affected by the adverse effects of the drug, it is necessary to immediately notify the treating doctor for advice and change the regimen if necessary. After a course of HP eradication, it is necessary to re-examine to see if the bacteria have been successfully eliminated. Patients still have the ability to re-infected with different strains of HP, so it is necessary to take preventive measures. Should limit eating sour, spicy foods, drinking alcohol, beer, coffee, smoking... When infected with HP bacteria, patients should not be too worried about stomach cancer, which is not good influence. to psychology, because in fact, not every bacterial infection causes cancer. Patients need a care plan and follow-up to help detect abnormalities early.
Early detection of HP bacteria makes the treatment process more effective. At Vinmec International General Hospital, using 13C carbon isotope in the breath test to diagnose H. pylori bacteria with the most advanced machine with 02 airbags, it has a very high diagnostic value (> 95%) ) while ensuring patient safety.
If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

In April & May 2021, when there is a need for gastric cancer examination and treatment at Vinmec Times City International Hospital, customers will enjoy double incentives:
- Free specialist examination and 50% discount on Esophageal and Stomach Cancer Screening Package
- 50% off cost for customers who have indications for post-examination treatment. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.

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