Stomach Cancer Causes

By james

Reviewed: Dr. Mera

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3. Chronic atrophic gastritis

Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining (mucosa). It can be caused by many factors; however, in the case of atrophic gastritis, it is given by either long-term infection with bacteria, known as Helicobacter pylori, or a condition known as autoimmune gastritis (rare). The chronic inflammation of the mucosa results in atrophy, which involves several changes. For instance, a loss of gastric glandular cells occurs (cells that secrete mucus, acid, bicarbonate, enzymes, etc.), which are then replaced by a different type of lining known as “intestinal-type epithelium”, fibrous tissue, and other types of glands. This change in the lining is known as “gastric intestinal metaplasia”. In short, it is a precancerous change of the mucosa that is associated with an increased risk of cancer.

Infection with H pylori is very frequent, affecting more than 50% of the population worldwide. It is considered one of the main causes of stomach cancer; however, testing is available and it is treatable (i.e. antibiotics). Most individuals that are infected exhibit symptoms of chronic gastritis, a subgroup present with peptic ulcer disease (sores in the stomach or small intestine), and a small minority develops gastric cancer. Ask your gastroenterologist for more information on H pylori infection and gastric cancer.