Gastric Cancer Precursors: Understanding the Risks and Conditions

Several pre-cancerous conditions are known to increase the risk of developing gastric cancer. These include chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastric polyps, and residual stomach after surgery. These conditions often involve chronic inflammation, intestinal metaplasia, and atypical hyperplasia, which over time may progress to cancer. Below is a detailed overview of each condition:

Chronic Atrophic Gastritis – This condition is associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer. According to medical literature, approximately 10% to 20% of individuals with chronic atrophic gastritis may develop cancer. The risk increases significantly when intestinal metaplasia and atypical hyperplasia occur alongside the chronic inflammation.

Gastric Polyps – There are two main types of gastric polyps: hyperplastic polyps and adenomatous polyps. Among these, adenomatous polyps carry a higher risk of malignancy, with a reported cancerous transformation rate of about 20%. Polyps larger than 2 cm are especially more likely to become cancerous and should be closely monitored.

Gastric Ulcers – The risk of cancer development in patients with gastric ulcers is estimated to be between 1% and 6%. In elderly patients with long-standing ulcers that remain untreated, the edges of the ulcer can undergo malignant transformation due to persistent inflammation and cellular changes.

Residual Stomach (Post-Surgical) – Individuals who have undergone partial gastrectomy for gastric ulcers may develop bile reflux gastritis, which leads to chronic inflammation in the remaining stomach. This long-term irritation increases the likelihood of cancer development, typically occurring 15 to 30 years after the initial surgery.

Regular medical follow-ups and early intervention are crucial for individuals diagnosed with any of these conditions to prevent the progression to gastric cancer. Awareness and timely management can significantly reduce the risk and improve long-term health outcomes.