Can atrophic gastritis turn into cancer?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain chance of cancerous transformation, with an annual cancer transformation rate of between 0.5% and 1%. It is a type of chronic gastritis. During gastroscopy, the atrophy of the inherent glands of the gastric mucosa can be observed. A definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and pathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step is the treatment against Helicobacter pylori, which includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment course of 14 days. Additionally, treatments include acid suppression, stomach protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, oral traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with atrophic gastritis consider integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, which can yield good results.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to treat chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia?

The treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia mainly includes the following aspects: The first is general treatment. Firstly, the diet should be light and easily digestible, avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, grilled, cold, and sweet foods. It is important to exercise regularly and avoid emotions such as anxiety and depression. The second is the treatment against Helicobacter pylori, including a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment course of 14 days. Additionally, medications that promote gastric motility and protect the gastric mucosa are used. The fourth involves endoscopic treatments, including endoscopic APC treatment or endoscopic mucosal resection. The fifth, combining traditional Chinese medicine, differentiating syndrome treatments and oral herbal medicines, can also achieve good effects.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
44sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
57sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
39sec home-news-image

Can chronic atrophic gastritis be cured?

Chronic atrophic gastritis is primarily a chronic digestive system disease caused by atypical hyperplasia. It is mainly characterized by upper abdominal dull pain, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, etc., and lacks specificity. It is a disease caused by multiple pathogenic factors and is a precancerous lesion. There are many causes, including Helicobacter pylori infection and dietary factors, among others. Moreover, treatment for atrophic gastritis can be targeted based on the specific condition, clinical symptoms, and auxiliary examinations.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
54sec home-news-image

What should I do if atrophic gastritis causes severe weight loss?

Patients with atrophic gastritis should be highly attentive if they experience significant weight loss and should receive standardized traditional treatments. Additionally, dietary habits also require careful attention; it is important to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and to avoid using medications that damage the gastric mucosa, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Furthermore, eating habits should be regular, avoiding binge eating and foods that are too salty, spicy, or that are fried or deep-fried. Active treatment should also be directed against Helicobacter pylori, utilizing medications that protect the gastric mucosa, enhance its resistance to gastric acid, and improve the regenerative ability of gastric mucosal cells. Medications that inhibit bile reflux and improve gastric motility can also be employed.