The term “intestinal metaplasia” often conjures up images of colon cancer. The specific correlation between these two conditions remains unclear to many. How prevalent is intestinal metaplasia, and what symptoms might signal the need for preventive measures? Let’s start from the basics.
What is Intestinal Metaplasia?
Intestinal metaplasia is a condition where the cells lining the stomach begin to resemble the cells lining the intestine. Numerous large-scale medical studies have found that intestinal metaplasia significantly increases the risk of stomach cancer, by as much as 6 times. Therefore, doctors may recommend regular upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) to monitor for signs of cancer, depending on the patient's risk factors.
It is important to note that intestinal metaplasia is quite common. Global statistics show that, on average, 1 in 4 people who undergo a gastroscopy is found to have intestinal metaplasia.
Symptoms of Intestinal Metaplasia
Intestinal metaplasia is a type of gastric mucosal disease. It primarily occurs due to long-term stomach inflammation, leading to damage and shedding of the gastric mucosa. The stomach wall then grows intestinal mucosa, weakening the stomach’s ability to resist stomach acid. While intestinal metaplasia itself does not cause any symptoms, it is often associated with chronic superficial gastritis, acid reflux, and Helicobacter pylori infection. As a result, patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Acid reflux
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Indigestion
How to Diagnose Intestinal Metaplasia?
Most cases of intestinal metaplasia are discovered during a gastroscopy. Therefore, regular gastroscopy is essential for effective diagnosis. If a lesion is suspected, a tissue sample will be taken for biopsy. If a patient is diagnosed with intestinal metaplasia, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment based on the individual’s condition to prevent the disease from worsening. In some cases, the abnormal tissue may be removed through surgery. “If a patient is in a high-risk group or if the intestinal metaplasia covers 20% or more of the stomach, the risk of developing stomach cancer is higher. In such cases, it is recommended that a gastroscopy be performed every one to three years to detect abnormalities as early as possible,” said Dr. Lindy Ng, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.
Prevention
The possibility of precancerous lesions can understandably cause concern. However, paying attention to diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can help slow down the development of stomach cells into cancer.
- Pay attention to any stomach discomfort, such as long-term gastroesophageal reflux, stomach pain, or difficulty swallowing. Seek medical attention immediately.
- Reduce the amount of salt and oil in your diet; try to minimize the consumption of processed foods and smoked meats.
- Many diseases have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone undergo regular health checkups.
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