Chronic Superficial Gastritis with Erosion: Is It the Same as a Peptic Ulcer?
During my time in outpatient clinics, many patients come to me concerned after seeing their gastroscopy reports. They often ask, "I have inflammation and erosion in my stomach—what does that mean? Is it serious?" Let me be clear: chronic superficial gastritis with erosion is not the same as an ulcer. In medical terms, erosion refers to damage that affects only the mucosal layer of the stomach lining.
Understanding the Difference Between Erosion and Ulcers
An ulcer, on the other hand, is deeper and extends into the muscularis mucosae—a much more serious condition. To put it in simpler terms, an ulcer is like a hole in your stomach lining, and the depth of this hole can vary. When an ulcer becomes severe, it can lead to complications such as perforation, also known as peptic perforation, which often requires surgical intervention.
Which Condition Is More Serious?
Overall, peptic ulcers are significantly more severe than chronic superficial gastritis with erosion. While both conditions involve damage to the stomach lining, the depth and potential complications of ulcers make them a greater medical concern. Patients diagnosed with gastritis and mild erosion should not panic—they are dealing with a much less severe issue than a full-blown ulcer.