What Is the Difference Between Gastric Cancer and Gastritis?

Clinically, gastric cancer and gastritis can be distinguished based on the following aspects:

1. Symptoms
Both chronic gastritis and gastric cancer patients may experience discomfort in the upper abdomen, pain, or bloating. However, gastritis symptoms usually improve significantly with proper medication, while gastric cancer symptoms often show little to no relief after treatment.

2. Physical Signs
Gastritis patients typically only exhibit tenderness or discomfort in the upper abdomen. In contrast, advanced gastric cancer patients may have a palpable mass in the upper abdomen, along with accompanying symptoms such as anemia and significant weight loss.

3. Gastroscopy (Endoscopy)
Gastroscopy is the most crucial diagnostic tool for differentiating between gastric cancer and gastritis. In cases of gastric cancer, the endoscopy can reveal the tumor's size, shape, location, and whether there is surface bleeding.

If a patient experiences persistent upper abdominal discomfort that does not improve with treatment—especially when accompanied by anemia and weight loss—a timely gastroscopy is strongly recommended for accurate diagnosis.