What Is H. Pylori?
9. Prognosis
The prognosis for individuals with H. pylori infection is excellent even for those with complications. However, once there is development of gastric carcinoma or esophageal cancer, the prognosis becomes poor. The mortality rate from H. pylori infection is usually due to complications such as ulcer perforation or mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.
The most severe consequence of the infection is gastric adenocarcinoma. The MALT lymphoma can be treated with eradication therapy of H. pylori and results in a better prognosis than gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients with a high risk of gastric cancer that test positive for H. pylori infection should begin eradication therapy. However, patients should be familiar with the adverse effects of the therapy and the importance of the full regimen to prevent resistance and relapse.
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