Can atrophic gastritis lead to gastric cancer?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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The development of gastric cancer, particularly intestinal-type gastric cancer, is a multi-stage process influenced by various factors. Chronic atrophic gastritis is primarily characterized by the atrophy and reduction of gastric mucosal glands. Consequently, it often accompanies varying degrees of metaplasia in the gastrointestinal mucosal epithelium. Chronic atrophic gastritis features a reduction in B cells of the gastric glands, and the pH value of gastric juice may increase. Hence, the relationship between chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer is significant, as it is considered a precancerous lesion. Therefore, if one has atrophic gastritis, it is crucial to seek timely medical treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.

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Written by Xie Zheng Yuan
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion?

Atrophic gastritis with erosion is a type of chronic gastritis and has a lengthy course of disease. Through treatment, the erosions may heal within six to eight weeks. However, reversing the atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a long-term and slow process, and there are no specific effective drugs clinically available. Some traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines may be effective, but it typically takes at least six months. Therefore, the duration required to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion varies from person to person, depending on individual differences.

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Written by Huang Gang
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Is atrophic gastritis grade I serious?

Grade I atrophic gastritis is not serious. Atrophic gastritis refers to the atrophy and reduction of the gastric mucosa and glands, and it manifests with symptoms like stomach discomfort, bloating, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. For those with atrophic gastric cancer, it is important to control the diet, avoid overeating, and abstain from spicy, raw, greasy, and irritating foods. This type of chronic digestive system disease, if not properly managed, can frequently relapse and has the potential to become malignant. If the condition can be controlled and does not frequently recur, it generally does not have a significant impact on the body.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What medicine should be taken for atrophic gastritis with erosion?

Chronic atrophic gastritis with erosion requires drug treatment based on the specific symptoms of the patient and whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori is very high, often exceeding 50%, so it is also necessary to check for Helicobacter pylori infection in cases of chronic atrophic gastritis. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is needed, typically employing a quadruple therapy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is generally used. Common treatments include protecting the gastric mucosa, suppressing gastric acid, and enhancing gastric motility, among others. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily diet and lifestyle habits, focusing on light and easy-to-digest foods, and avoiding raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods; quitting smoking and drinking can also be helpful. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms before atrophic gastritis turns cancerous?

Patients with atrophic gastritis primarily exhibit symptoms such as dull pain, bloating, and burning pain in the upper abdomen, along with belching, acid reflux, weight loss, anemia, and more. If the pain from atrophic gastritis does not follow a clear pattern and is accompanied by progressive weight loss and refractory anemia, the possibility of cancerous changes in atrophic gastritis should be considered. It is advisable to promptly complete an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy, and, if necessary, undertake a biopsy. In terms of treatment, it is first essential to test for Helicobacter pylori infection and then use medications to protect the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Non-atrophic gastritis with focal erosion treatment

Non-atrophic gastritis with erosive lesions, primarily diagnosed through gastroscopic examination that revealed erosive and other changes in the gastric mucosa. If erosion is detected, doctors generally perform a biopsy under gastroscopy to ascertain the nature of the erosion. If the erosion is inflammatory, it can be treated with oral medications, including acid-suppressing and stomach-protective drugs, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. If the erosion involves intestinal metaplasia or atypical hyperplasia, it requires endoscopic APC treatment or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to eliminate the erosive areas, thereby addressing the erosion fundamentally. Additionally, attention should be paid to a light and easily digestible diet.