What can a biopsy for erosive gastritis reveal?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

In general, a biopsy for erosive gastritis can detect the type of gastritis, assess inflammatory cell infiltration, determine the degree of gastric mucosal damage, identify evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection, and screen for precancerous lesions. Biopsy is an important diagnostic method for erosive gastritis, providing various information related to gastric mucosal lesions, which helps doctors formulate targeted treatment plans and monitor lesion progression.

Generally, a biopsy for erosive gastritis can detect the type of gastritis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, degree of gastric mucosal damage, evidence of Helicobacter pylori infection, and screen for precancerous lesions. Specific details are as follows:

1. Type of Gastritis

A biopsy for erosive gastritis can determine whether it is acute erosive gastritis or chronic erosive gastritis. Acute erosive gastritis presents with sudden gastric mucosal erosion and bleeding, while chronic erosive gastritis may involve repeated mucosal injury, repair processes, and associated pathological changes.

2. Infiltration of Inflammatory Cells

A biopsy for erosive gastritis identifies the types and quantities of inflammatory cells infiltrating the gastric mucosal tissue, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. Extensive infiltration of neutrophils may indicate acute inflammation, whereas predominant infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells may be associated with chronic inflammation.

3. Degree of Gastric Mucosal Damage

A biopsy for erosive gastritis allows observation of the depth and extent of gastric mucosal erosion, as well as the presence of other damage manifestations such as ulcers or hemorrhage, thereby assessing the extent of mucosal injury and aiding in evaluating disease severity.

4. Evidence of Helicobacter pylori Infection

A biopsy for erosive gastritis can identify Helicobacter pylori using special stains or immunohistochemical techniques, confirming the presence of this bacterial infection, which is one of the common causes of erosive gastritis.

5. Screening for Precancerous Lesions

A biopsy for erosive gastritis detects signs of precancerous lesions such as atypical hyperplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia in gastric mucosal cells. Based on the morphological and structural abnormalities of the cells, the risk of malignancy can be assessed so timely intervention measures can be taken.

A biopsy for erosive gastritis is an important diagnostic method that provides multiple pieces of information related to gastric mucosal lesions, helping physicians formulate targeted treatment plans and monitor disease progression. After undergoing a biopsy, patients should follow the doctor's recommendations for active treatment and follow-up visits.

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Is Erosive Gastritis Grade 2 Serious?

In general, erosive gastritis grade 2 is considered relatively severe. Grade 2 erosive gastritis usually indicates deeper and more extensive erosion sites. Patients may experience symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a burning sensation. If not treated promptly, the erosion of the gastric mucosa may worsen further, leading to severe complications.

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What is the best way to treat gastrointestinal bleeding?

Under normal circumstances, gastric bleeding may be caused by factors such as alcohol consumption irritating the gastric mucosa, taking medications that damage the gastric mucosa, acute erosive gastritis, gastric ulcers, or rupture of esophageal and gastric varices. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general treatment and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, alcohol consumption should be avoided, medications that damage the gastric mucosa should be used cautiously, and a regular diet should be maintained.