Is there a bacterium that causes stomach cancer?
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that causes stomach cancer and has been associated with two classes of neoplasms: gastric cardia cancer (which occurs in the upper inch of the stomach where the esophagus joins) and non-cardia gastric cancer, which involves the rest of the organ.
What is Helicobacter Pylori?
Undoubtedly, Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium that has accompanied humans for thousands of years and produces a fairly common infection.
This spiral-shaped bacteria develops in the mucosa that lines the inside of the stomach.
Based on the results presented by various scientific investigations, it is estimated that H. pylori is present in almost two-thirds of the world’s population; its rate being higher in non-developed countries.
H. pylori bacteria stay in the stomach
As soon as the bacteria reaches the stomach, it is able to survive in it for many years.
Basically, this is due to the production of an enzyme (urease) that converts chemical urea into ammonia.
This production of ammonia coats the H. pylori bacteria, neutralizing the acidity of the stomach and making the environment more welcoming.
Basically, its spiral shape makes it easier for it to penetrate the mucous layer of the stomach, which is less acidic than its interior.
It also usually adheres to the cells that line the inner surface of that organ.
Although our body’s immune cells are designed to recognize and attack any invading bacteria, they accumulate near the sites of infection caused by H. Pylori, but they cannot reach the lining of the stomach.
Is H. Pylori Bacteria Associated with Stomach Cancer?
For some time, international scientific studies have been carried out to publicize the links between stomach cancer and Helicobacter Pylori.
In fact, the results indicate that this bacterium certainly represents an important risk factor in the onset of cancer of the stomach and lymphoid tissue.
It is also associated with the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
H. pylori propagation mode
The bacteria that cause stomach cancer are spread mainly through contaminated food or water.
Direct word-of-mouth contact is also added.
The frequency rate of this disease is accentuated during childhood; with emphasis on children living in poverty and/or in overcrowded places lacking sanitation.
For this reason, when analyzing the related risk factors, we can mention the following:
Living with an infected person. If any member of the family has the infection caused by the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, the probability of contagion to the other members of the household is greater.
Living in overcrowding. When a large group of people must live together in the same space, exposure to this bacterium becomes greater.
Inaccessibility to clean water. Not having a reliable supply of drinking water increases the risk of infection with this bacterium.
Symptoms caused by H. Pylori
In most people infected with the bacteria, discomfort usually manifests.
This increases if a disease such as gastric ulcers, iron deficiency anemia, decreased platelets, bad breath (halitosis), weight loss, chronic gastritis or stomach cancer has already started.
Among the most frequent symptoms produced by H. pylori infection, we have:
Burning pain
Burning in the stomach
Nausea
Swelling
Frequent burping
Lack of appetite
Bloody stools
Vomiting blood
Diagnosis
The presence of H. pylori can be detected by breath tests and analysis of stool samples.
If a person has any symptoms, they should visit their doctor for a physical exam and medical history.
If something strange or abnormal is detected, the specialist will request an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, in order to obtain a sample (biopsy) of the gastric mucosa.
Treatment to combat it
As a result of tests and research, it has been shown that the indiscriminate use of antibiotics is useless when it comes to attacking this bacterium, as Helicobacter Pylori has become more resistant by the day.
There are still no special drugs to eradicate it.
In particular, gastroenterology experts have concluded that whenever this bacterium is discovered in a patient, it should be attacked with antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors.
Bismuth subsalicylate, on the other hand, coats the ulcer and protects it from stomach acids.
Also, histamine blockers are only prescribed if proton pump inhibitors cannot be used.
Currently, H. pylori infection is treated with a concomitant quadruple regimen without bismuth subsalicylate, consisting of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole.
The efficiency of this treatment scheme will depend on the rate of H. pylori strains.
"If you have doubts or think you may have an infection with this bacteria, it is important that you go to the doctor's office so that the doctor can request the necessary tests to rule out any possible contagion"
