Are gastric lymphomas associated with an H pylori infection?

Gastric lymphomas, particularly primary gastric MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma, are closely associated with chronic infection by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium is known to cause chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, leading to the development of gastric ulcers and, in some cases, gastric lymphoma. The mechanism involves the abnormal proliferation of lymphoid tissue in response to the persistent inflammation caused by H. pylori infection.

Furthermore, treatment of H. pylori infection has been shown to lead to regression of MALT lymphoma in some patients, reinforcing the link between the infection and the cancer. Therefore, confirming the association is crucial for understanding the etiology of gastric lymphomas and the potential for treatment through eradicating the infection.

The other options do not accurately reflect the established relationship between H. pylori and gastric lymphomas. Being associated with specific age groups or genders does not capture the broader and significant link present in the general population; the association is well-documented across various demographics.