True/False MCQ · Peptic Ulceration and Helicobacter pylori
Comparing duodenal and gastric ulcers, the following statements are TRUE:
- ADuodenal ulcers are more common than gastric ulcers
- BDuodenal ulcer pain is classically relieved by food
- CDuodenal ulcers carry a high risk of malignant transformation
- DGastric ulcers are regarded as malignant until proven otherwise
- EDuodenal ulcers are strongly associated with H. pylori
Show answers and explanation
- A. True
- B. True
- C. False: Duodenal ulcers have essentially no malignant potential; it is gastric ulcers that are malignant until proven otherwise.
- D. True
- E. True
Duodenal versus gastric ulcers
Distinguishing the two is a core clinical skill.
Key contrasts
| Feature | Duodenal | Gastric |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Commoner (about 4x) | Less common |
| Pain and food | Relieved by food; nocturnal; weight gain | Worse with meals; weight loss |
| Acid | High secretion | Normal/low; defence breakdown |
| Age/sex | Younger; M>F; blood group O | Older; blood group A |
| H. pylori | About 85% | About 45% |
| Malignant potential | None | Malignant until proven otherwise |
Statement-by-statement verdict
Why A is true
Duodenal ulcers are about four times commoner than gastric ulcers.
Why B is true
Duodenal ulcer pain is classically relieved by food.
Why C is false
Duodenal ulcers do not undergo malignant transformation; that concern applies to gastric ulcers.
Why D is true
Gastric ulcers are treated as malignant until proven otherwise.
Why E is true
Duodenal ulcers are strongly associated with H. pylori (about 85%).
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