[Ulcerative processes of the stomach]

Ulcerative processes of the stomach can be caused by benign and malignant diseases of rather different etiology. Clinical and endoscopic findings do not allow to establish with certainty a diagnosis, especially in regard to eventual malignancy of the ulcerative process even if all criteria are taken into account which in general speak for or against malignancy. A chronic peptic ulcer on the one hand and an ulcerating malignant tumor of the stomach on the other hand can look completely identical on endoscopic examination. Biopsy and histological diagnosis are decisive; they are indispensable to clarify etiology of ulcerative processes. Taking of biopsies should be done with appropriate technique and at the appropriate location of the ulcerative process.