What are the symptoms before atrophic gastritis turns cancerous?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 21, 2025
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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

Will atrophic gastritis and esophagitis cause significant weight loss?

Patients with atrophic gastritis and esophagitis may experience weight loss, as those with atrophic gastritis can have upper abdominal pain, distension pain, and burning pain, accompanied by a feeling of bloating and belching. Severe cases can lead to anemia and weight loss. The main cause of atrophic gastritis is infection by Helicobacter pylori. Of course, immune factors and dietary habits also play significant roles in the development of atrophic gastritis. Once atrophic gastritis is definitively diagnosed, it is crucial to actively eradicate Helicobacter pylori, as well as to quit smoking and drinking, and avoid using medications and consuming foods that may damage the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
53sec home-news-image

Can atrophic gastritis drink honey?

Honey is very common in daily life, tastes good, and contains rich nutritional components. It has the effects of promoting saliva secretion, quenching thirst, and relieving constipation, which makes it widely loved. For chronic atrophic gastritis, in addition to conventional drug treatments, such as antibacterial Western medicine and treatments that protect the gastric mucosa, traditional Chinese medicine can also provide symptomatic treatment. In terms of diet, it is essential to eat light, easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, as well as stimulants like tobacco and alcohol, while also maintaining regular and measured eating habits. Honey does not have a significant conflict with atrophic gastritis and can be consumed. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is atrophic gastritis easy to treat?

Atrophic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis characterized by the atrophy of gastric mucosal glands. It carries a certain risk of becoming cancerous. The main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, heartburn, indigestion, belching, and acid reflux. Gastroscope examination reveals atrophy of the gastric glands, and a biopsy is needed for a pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis. In terms of treatment, the first step is to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, which includes a regimen of one proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and one bismuth agent, lasting for 14 days. This is followed by acid suppression and mucosal repair treatments. Additionally, the treatment with traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in managing atrophic gastritis. This condition is challenging to treat, has poor outcomes, is prone to relapse, and carries a risk of cancer transformation.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is atrophic gastritis of the gastric antrum serious?

Atrophic gastritis is a chronic gastric disease characterized by repeated damage to the gastric mucosal epithelium, leading to the atrophy of the intrinsic glands, with or without intestinal metaplasia or pseudopyloric gland metaplasia. The main cause of this disease is infection by Helicobacter pylori. Symptoms primarily include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, early satiety, nausea, etc. Some patients may experience symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, memory loss, anxiety, and depression. The main treatment involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, suppressing acid production, and using gastric mucosal protectants and prokinetic agents. The majority of patients have Helicobacter pylori-related gastritis, which after chronic inflammation (chronic non-atrophic gastritis) can lead to atrophic gastritis, followed by intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia, and eventually may progress to gastric cancer.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to completely cure atrophic gastritis?

Chronic atrophic gastritis generally develops from chronic non-atrophic gastritis, and the most likely cause may be Helicobacter pylori infection. Of course, there are also other reasons, such as poor dietary habits, emotional factors, etc. In such cases, it is first necessary to check for Helicobacter pylori infection, usually using a breath test. If Helicobacter pylori infection is present, quadruple therapy is generally used for eradication treatment. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori can be very helpful for patients with atrophic gastritis, and in some cases, can partially reverse the atrophy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is generally the main approach. Additionally, conditioning through traditional Chinese medicine can also be very helpful. (Specific medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)