How can H. pylori lead to stomach cancer?

Individuals infected with H. pylori bacteria, which while a common infection, may lead to chronic atrophic gastritis, a precancerous condition in which stomach cells are damaged by chronic inflammation. Autoimmune disease may also cause chronic atrophic gastritis.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Robynne Chutkan discusses how H. pylori can lead to stomach cancer. Watch Dr. Chutkan's video for information on digestive disorders and gastrointestinal issues.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that is estimated to chronically infect two-thirds of the world's population. This bacterium resides in the human stomach and is a common cause of inflammatory illnesses of the stomach and small intestine including gastritis, gastric (stomach) ulcers, and duodenal ulcers. Chronic infection with H. pylori is now also known to be a direct cause of stomach (gastric) cancer as well as an unusual form of lymphoma of the stomach.