Understanding Stage A1 Gastric Ulcers

When discussing gastric ulcers, the term "Stage A1" refers to the active phase of an ulcer. During this period, the mucous membrane surrounding the ulcer is significantly swollen and inflamed. At this stage, the base of the ulcer is typically covered with a yellow or white layer of exudate or pus-like material, indicating active inflammation and tissue damage.

There are three main phases of gastric ulcers: the active phase (A1 and A2), the healing phase (H1 and H2), and the scar phase (S1 and S2). In Stage A2, the ulcer begins to show signs of improvement. The yellow and white coatings at the ulcer base start to decrease, and a faint red halo may appear around the edges, gradually moving inward as healing progresses. Despite these changes, the ulcer is still considered to be in the active phase.

The second phase is known as the healing phase, which is further divided into two sub-stages. In the first part of the healing phase (H1), the inflammation begins to subside, and the size of the ulcer starts to shrink. The surrounding regenerative epithelium forms a red halo that slowly converges toward the center of the ulcer, signaling the body's natural repair process. By the second part of the healing phase (H2), the entire base of the ulcer has been completely covered by newly formed epithelial tissue, indicating that the ulcer is fully healed.

The final phase is referred to as the scar phase, which also consists of two stages. In the first stage (S1), the scar appears reddish due to the presence of newly formed tissue that has not yet matured. As the healing continues, the redness fades, transitioning into the second stage (S2), where the scar becomes pale or white. At this point, the ulcer is classified as having developed into an old, stable scar.

Understanding these stages helps doctors assess the progression of the ulcer and determine the most effective treatment plan. Proper diagnosis and timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes for patients with gastric ulcers.