Based on what I understand from your question, I think you are referring to the term "intestinal metaplasia" which is the presence of normal intestinal cells in your stomach lining. This is a condition most gastroenterologists consider a point of no return in terms of the potential risk of developing gastric cancer.
Intestinal metaplasia itself is not cancerous and finding normal intestinal cells in the stomach is not unusual either. This is different from "dysplasia" which can be interpreted as suspicious looking cell change and deemed slightly more serious.
You mentioned partial recovery, which I presumed is a conclusion derived from repeat biopsies on your stomach lining. The issue with a repeat biopsy is the problem of sampling error in that we one cannot be certain we are getting tissues from the most suspicious location each time, thereby affecting our judgement on the severity of the condition.
Regardless, the most crucial point I feel is regular review and screening on your stomach lining so that any cancerous change can be picked up soonest possible for treatment to be effective. Depending on the severity on your symptoms, the review interval may vary. However, endoscopy surveillance is generally repeated every 3 yearly.
- Dr Quan
