Q My endoscopy showed "atrophic gastritis" and "intestinal metaplasia," and I'm scared it will lead to stomach cancer. Can Korean medicine prevent it?
A Atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia somewhat raise stomach cancer risk, but they do not immediately become cancer. A realistic goal is to keep up regular endoscopic follow-up while slowing progression through mucosal recovery and management of H. pylori and lifestyle factors.
Detailed Answer
Atrophic gastritis is a thinning of the stomach lining, and intestinal metaplasia is a change of the stomach lining into intestine-like tissue; both are known to raise stomach cancer risk somewhat above average. However, a diagnosis does not mean cancer will follow immediately, and the risk can be sufficiently lowered with regular endoscopic follow-up, H. pylori eradication, and lifestyle management.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine treatment can help raise the blood flow and recovery capacity of the weakened stomach lining, reducing further damage and easing symptoms. Still, you must receive endoscopic follow-up regularly, and it is safest to understand Korean medicine treatment as a supportive role that manages the stomach environment on top of that.
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