What causes thickening of the greater curvature of the stomach wall in a 70-year-old patient, and how should it be managed?

Thickening of the greater curvature of the stomach in a 70-year-old patient may be associated with factors such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and ulcerative colitis. This condition can be treated with oral medications. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Chronic Gastritis

Inflammation and atrophy caused by chronic gastritis can lead to mucosal edema, inflammation, and thickening of the greater curvature of the stomach, thereby affecting normal gastric contraction and motility. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and nausea. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as bismuth potassium citrate granules or Sanjiu Weitai granules for treatment.

2. Gastric Ulcer

Inflammation and ulcer formation due to gastric ulcers can cause atrophy and thinning of the stomach wall. As a result, compensatory hyperplasia may occur in the surrounding tissues of the greater curvature, leading to its thickening. Symptoms may include burning sensation, stomach pain, and nausea. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets for treatment.

3. Ulcerative Colitis

Intestinal inflammation and immune responses caused by ulcerative colitis can produce certain mediators, such as cytokines, which may spread to the region of the greater curvature of the stomach. When the surrounding tissues of the greater curvature are affected by inflammatory and immune reactions, edema and inflammation may develop, resulting in thickening of the greater curvature. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets or azathioprine tablets for treatment.

Besides the above relatively common causes, thickening may also be related to Crohn's disease, gastric tumors, or stomach cancer. Patients should promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations and follow medical advice for appropriate treatment.