The distinction between gastric ulcer and gastric cancer is a matter of concern because gastric ulcer is a benign lesion while gastric cancer is a malignant tumor. The correct distinction between the two is not only related to the choice of treatment method, but also to the life of the patient. Although gastric ulcer and gastric cancer are two completely different diseases in nature, they often have many similarities in clinical manifestations, especially in the case of ulcerated gastric cancer, so it is very easy to cause misdiagnosis. In order not to miss the disease, not only doctors should master the skill of distinguishing the two, but also patients should know some relevant knowledge so as to be alert and try to achieve early detection and early treatment of cancer. It is proved that gastric ulcer and gastric cancer can be distinguished with careful observation. Age and course of disease Gastric ulcer is mostly seen in young adults, 90% of the patients have epigastric pain, which is cyclic and can last for several days, weeks or even months, then relieved for a certain period of time, after which it comes again, often delayed for many years. Gastric cancer is mostly seen in middle-aged and elderly people over 40 years old, and early gastric cancer usually has no obvious discomfort. However, once the symptoms such as upper abdominal pain appear, it will be progressively aggravated, and the disease develops faster and has a shorter course. In general, patients with gastric ulcer have good general condition, good appetite, good response to medication, little anemia and no enlarged lymph nodes in the whole body; while patients with gastric cancer have poor appetite and may have no appetite in the late stage, progressive wasting and anemia. In late stage, enlarged lymph nodes can be palpated on the left clavicle, and sometimes swellings can be felt in the upper abdomen. The pain of gastric ulcer is mostly closely related to diet, i.e. it starts half an hour after a meal, the pain lasts for several hours with a burning sensation, and then gradually disappears until the above rhythm is found again after the next meal. The pain can be relieved by taking alkaline drugs. The pain of gastric cancer is irregular and not related to eating, and it can be aggravated or relieved after eating; the nature of pain is variable, it can be dull pain or severe pain, often with a feeling of fullness; the pain is aggravated in the late stage, mostly persistent, and cannot be relieved by taking alkaline drugs.