What is a common sign of a benign gastric or duodenal ulcer?

A common sign of a benign gastric or duodenal ulcer is that the ulcer base is typically smooth and flat. This characteristic is associated with benign ulcers, which tend to exhibit a well-defined and regular appearance when evaluated on endoscopy or via imaging studies. Smooth and flat bases are less concerning in terms of malignancy, as they differ from malignant ulcers, which often have irregular, fungating, or infiltrative edges.

In contrast, options that mention extensive bleeding, the development of cancerous tissues, or a thick raised border pertain to more severe or concerning conditions. For instance, extensive bleeding is usually indicative of a complicated ulcer, which can happen in both benign and malignant cases but is more commonly associated with complications that arise from ulcers rather than just benign disease. Malignant ulcers typically show indications of cancerous transformation, such as an irregular appearance and can often present with a thick, raised border, which is not characteristic of benign ulcers. Thus, the identification of the ulcer base being smooth and flat helps distinguish benign lesions from those that are more alarming and require further evaluation.