Gastritis describes an inflammation of the stomach’s inner lining, a condition that can arise from various factors. When symptoms suggest this inflammation, medical professionals often employ a procedure called an endoscopy to visualize the stomach directly. During this examination, a biopsy, which involves taking a small tissue sample, may be performed. This diagnostic step allows for a closer examination of the stomach lining at a cellular level.
Understanding Gastritis and Biopsy
Gastritis can result from several causes, including infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, excessive alcohol consumption, or autoimmune reactions where the body’s immune system attacks its own stomach cells. When a doctor suspects gastritis, an endoscopy is frequently recommended to directly observe the stomach lining. This procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the esophagus into the stomach.
During an endoscopy, if areas of concern are identified, such as redness, erosions, or unusual tissue, a biopsy can be taken. This involves using tiny forceps passed through the endoscope to collect small pieces of tissue from the stomach lining. The purpose of this sampling is to investigate the underlying cause of the inflammation, assess its severity, and identify any specific cellular changes.
How Biopsies Identify Cancer
Once tissue samples are collected during a biopsy, they are sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. A pathologist then examines these samples under a microscope. This examination focuses on the individual cells and their arrangement within the tissue. Pathologists look for specific characteristics that indicate abnormal growth or cancerous transformation.
They assess the size, shape, and organization of the cells, noting any irregularities in their nuclei or cytoplasm. Pathologists also identify malignant cells, which exhibit uncontrolled division and often invade surrounding healthy tissue. The biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis, allowing for the identification of cancer cells if present.
Cancers a Gastritis Biopsy Can Reveal
A gastritis biopsy is a valuable tool for detecting specific types of cancer affecting the stomach, as well as precancerous conditions. The most common form of stomach cancer that can be identified is gastric adenocarcinoma. This cancer originates from the glandular cells of the stomach lining. The biopsy allows pathologists to characterize the type of malignant cells present.
Another type of cancer detectable through a gastric biopsy is gastric lymphoma, particularly mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma. This cancer develops from lymphocytes in the stomach lining, often linked to chronic H. pylori infection. The biopsy can also reveal precancerous conditions such as intestinal metaplasia, where the stomach lining cells transform to resemble those of the intestine, or dysplasia, which involves abnormal cell development that can progress to cancer. Identifying these conditions allows for early intervention and monitoring.
Interpreting Biopsy Results and Next Steps
After a pathologist examines the biopsy samples, a detailed report is generated. The results might indicate various findings, such as being negative for malignancy, confirming the presence of H. pylori infection, or identifying precancerous changes like dysplasia. If cancerous cells are detected, the report will specify the type and characteristics of the cancer.
Discussing these results with a healthcare provider is important for understanding their implications and determining the appropriate course of action. Based on the biopsy findings, the next steps can vary considerably. These steps might include a recommendation for ongoing monitoring, additional diagnostic tests like imaging scans, or the initiation of specific treatments tailored to the diagnosed condition.