Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. The question asks to identify the statement that is NOT true about peptic ulcers.
This statement is true. Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a primary cause of peptic ulcers. Treatment often involves antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria, along with acid-reducing medications.
This statement is false. Duodenal ulcers are generally benign (non-cancerous). While gastric ulcers have a small potential to become malignant, duodenal ulcers very rarely, if ever, turn cancerous. Therefore, they do not invariably change into malignant growths.
This statement is true. Severe complications of peptic ulcers, such as uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage), perforation (a hole through the stomach or duodenal wall), or obstruction (blockage), often require surgical intervention.
This statement is true. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare condition where tumors produce excess gastrin, leading to high stomach acid levels. This causes severe, difficult-to-treat (intractable) peptic ulcers, often in unusual locations.
Based on the analysis, the statement that is not true about peptic ulcers is that duodenal ulcers invariably change into malignant conditions.
With regard to Helicobacter pylori eradication in peptic ulcer disease, consider the following statements:
1. Proton-pump inhibitor is taken with two antibiotics.
2. Treatment is prescribed for at least 7 days.
3. Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection leads to vitamin B12 deficiency.
4. Patients requiring long-term NSAIDS should undergo Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy to reduce ulcer risk.
Which of the statements given above are correct?