Is Chronic Superficial Atrophic Gastritis Serious?

Chronic gastritis was previously classified into two types—chronic superficial gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis—depending on whether the gastric glands had undergone atrophy. However, this classification is no longer widely used. Today, chronic non-atrophic gastritis corresponds to what was once called chronic superficial gastritis.

Compared to conditions like peptic ulcers or gastric cancer, chronic non-atrophic gastritis is generally not considered serious. In fact, it's a common diagnosis, especially among adults and even children over the age of nine who undergo endoscopic examination.

Chronic atrophic gastritis, on the other hand, develops from chronic superficial gastritis and involves the gradual loss or shrinkage of gastric gland cells. This can lead to intestinal metaplasia, a condition where the normal stomach lining is replaced by cells that resemble those found in the intestine. Intestinal metaplasia is considered a benign but abnormal cellular change, which may increase the risk of developing more serious complications if left unmonitored.

It's important to note that both superficial and atrophic gastritis are potentially reversible stages of the disease. If caught early, there's a chance to restore the stomach lining to a healthier state. However, once the condition progresses to dysplasia (abnormal cell growth) or cancer, reversal is no longer possible.

Therefore, while chronic superficial or atrophic gastritis itself isn't typically life-threatening, it should be taken seriously enough to warrant regular medical follow-ups and lifestyle adjustments to prevent further progression. Monitoring through periodic endoscopies and biopsies may be recommended, especially for those with long-standing gastritis or additional risk factors.