Intestinal metaplasia
Intestinal metaplasia is a medical condition characterized by the transformation of epithelial cells lining the stomach into cells that resemble those found in the intestines. This condition is often associated with an increased risk of developing gastric cancer.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of intestinal metaplasia is not known. However, it is often associated with chronic inflammation of the stomach lining, a condition known as gastritis. This inflammation can be caused by various factors, including infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Intestinal metaplasia itself does not cause symptoms. However, individuals with this condition may experience symptoms related to the underlying cause of the metaplasia, such as gastritis. These symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia is typically made through a procedure known as an endoscopy, during which a small sample of tissue is taken from the stomach lining for examination under a microscope. This procedure is often performed in individuals who have symptoms suggestive of a stomach disorder, or in those who are at high risk of developing gastric cancer.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for intestinal metaplasia focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This can involve eradication of H. pylori infection, if present, and avoidance of NSAIDs. In some cases, regular monitoring through endoscopy may be recommended to detect any changes in the stomach lining that could indicate the development of gastric cancer.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with intestinal metaplasia varies depending on the extent of the condition and the presence of other risk factors for gastric cancer. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help to reduce the risk of developing this type of cancer.
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
