Can atrophic gastritis with HP positive lead to cancer?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on March 31, 2025
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Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain risk of cancerous transformation. For patients with chronic atrophic gastritis, the first step in treatment is to administer anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy, which includes a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment duration of 14 days. Additionally, treatments to suppress stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, promote gastric motility, and repair the stomach mucosa are necessary. Treatment methods also involve traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnoses and oral administration of Chinese herbal medicine. External TCM treatments, such as thunder-fire moxibustion and moxibustion on the Zhongwan acupoint, or the acupoints of spleen-shu and stomach-shu on the back, which strengthen the spleen and benefit qi to nourish the stomach, can also play a significant role in treating this disease.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Why is a biopsy necessary for atrophic gastritis?

Atrophic gastritis is generally treated with biopsy, which is the standard for diagnosing atrophic gastritis, so biopsy is typically conducted when considering atrophic gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is increasingly common in clinical settings, especially among middle-aged and elderly patients. It begins with symptoms of chronic gastritis, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and belching, and sometimes may include changes in appetite. Patients usually undergo gastroscopy, which shows atrophy of the gastric mucosa, alterations in red and white patches, or white-like mucosa. Histopathological examination can further support the atrophic changes. In clinical settings, when considering atrophic gastritis, treatment focuses on protecting the stomach and screening for Helicobacter pylori. If Helicobacter pylori is positive, treatment targeting Helicobacter pylori is recommended. Regular gastroscopic examinations are necessary, typically every six months to a year.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can people with atrophic gastritis drink honey water?

Patients with atrophic gastritis can drink honey water. Patients with atrophic gastritis need to be careful with their diet by avoiding spicy, irritating foods, as well as overly sour, overly spicy, overly salty foods, and coarse foods. For patients with atrophic gastritis, it is important to eat regularly and in moderate amounts, opting for smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding binge eating. Since honey water does not fall into the above categories of foods and is not considered spicy, patients with atrophic gastritis can drink honey water. However, it is also important to avoid drinking too much at once; drinking a moderate amount is fine.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is the cancerous transformation of atrophic gastritis related to the duration of the disease?

The carcinogenesis of atrophic gastritis does not have a significant relationship with the duration of the disease. The main cause of atrophic gastritis is Helicobacter pylori infection, with autoimmune abnormalities and genetic factors also playing a significant role in atrophic gastritis. Sometimes, patients with a short duration of atrophic gastritis may also develop cancer, while those who have had the disease for many years may not necessarily develop cancer. Therefore, once atrophic gastritis is diagnosed, it is important to regularly re-examine with gastroscopy to rule out the possibility of early malignancy.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Difference between atrophic gastritis and non-atrophic gastritis

Chronic gastritis includes two types: chronic non-atrophic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. The symptoms of both can be similar, such as upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and heartburn. Chronic atrophic gastritis tends to be more severe than non-atrophic gastritis. Over the long term, atrophic gastritis may lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and even anemia. The main differentiation still requires gastroscopy and pathological examination. Under gastroscopy, chronic superficial gastritis mainly shows mucosal congestion and edema. In atrophic gastritis, due to gland atrophy, the submucosal blood vessels may appear as a net-like or petal-like pattern, and sometimes the mucosa may become granular. Pathological examinations can further clarify the diagnosis.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What fruits should be avoided with atrophic gastritis?

The main dietary restrictions for atrophic gastritis include quitting smoking and drinking. It is important to eat less salty and overly hot foods, and to avoid spicy and irritating foods. In addition, patients should avoid coarse foods and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. They should eat regularly, have small frequent meals, chew slowly, and maintain a pleasant mood. Patients with atrophic gastritis should maintain a regular diet and have periodic gastroscopy check-ups, as there is a potential for malignancy in atrophic gastritis patients.