How can I manage chronic gastritis with cell changes on stomach lining, and partial recovery after 6 months of PPIs?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

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

Similar Questions

What is the difference between IBS and gastritis?

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. The diagnosis is made by gastroscopy and biopsy, but can often be suspected based on symptoms. IBS is a condition affecting the intestines, and is thought to be due to problems with the muscles and nerves of the intestine, which in turn causes problems with gut movement and sensitivity. IBS diagnosed using symptoms, and endoscopy and biopsy would be normal. Based on your predominant symptoms of bloating and excessive flatulence, your problem might be neither gastritis nor IBS.

Photo of Dr Jarrod Lee

Answered By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

Can chronic gastritis be completely cured, and how long does it take for symptoms to resolve?

Chronic gastritis is a term commonly seen in biopsy report on tissue specimens obtained from an upper digestive endoscopy examination. This usually implies mild chronic inflammation seen under the microscope which does not necessarily correlate well with the symptoms you have. In order words, chronic gastritis may resolve while your symptoms persist and vice versa. In actual fact, it is difficult to ensure a complete recovery from chronic gastritis since more tissue specimens will be needed at a later date to confirm this point.

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan

Answered By

Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

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