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Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer
1PCEA Chogoria Hospital, Chogoria, Kenya.
Background:
Considerable progress has been made over the past two decades in understanding gastric carcinogenesis. Genetic and environmental factors have been shown to play a part. Infection with Helicobacter pylori leads to chronic gastritis and evidence is accumulating to link this disease with the subsequent development of gastric cancer.
Method:
A literature review was undertaken using Medline (National Library of Medicine, Washington DC, USA) searches of the headings gastrointestinal neoplasms and H. pylori for the years 1993-1997; further relevant references were examined.
Results:
H. pylori is implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. Proposed mechanisms centre on the inflammatory response of the gastric mucosa to the bacterium.
Conclusion:
Investigation is still required to elucidate the exact role of H. pylori in the development of gastric carcinoma. Eradication of the organism in high-risk groups might lead to a reduction in the incidence of gastric cancer.