Are non-healing ulcers a sign of cancer?

Possibly: Non-healing ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract can certainly be associated with cancer and should be followed closely. This mainly pertains to stomach ulcers but atypical intestinal ulcers have a potential for cancer as well. In general, most ulcers should heal within 8 week on proper therapy, in most people. There are, however, always exceptions and close follow up is recommended.

Possible: Causes for non healing ulcer include foreign body in the ulcer, radiation , inflammation , infection , cancer, untreated ischemia , etc. . If the ulcer is not responding to treatment and has irregular, nodular surface or edge then it should be biopsied to rule out malignancy.