Can bile reflux gastritis turn into cancer?
Bile reflux gastritis is relatively common in clinical practice and is generally considered a type of chronic gastritis caused by bile reflux. Clinically, it presents with abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. A complete gastroscopic examination can confirm the diagnosis, showing gastric mucosal congestion, edema, and even erosion. Generally, bile reflux gastritis does not lead to cancer; however, it is recommended that patients undergo regular follow-ups, including gastroscopy and histopathological examination, especially for middle-aged and elderly patients who have had gastric diseases for many years. If the gastric mucosa shows signs of congestion, edema, and erosion—particularly if the erosion is atypical and irregular—a biopsy is recommended to rule out cancer. Thus, while bile reflux gastritis generally does not become cancerous, it is advisable for elderly patients to have regular follow-ups with gastroscopy and histopathological exams, typically every six months to a year.